THE carnival atmosphere of the Kerang show was in full swing last night, with showgoers of all ages turning out in force to show their support for the event.
A revised show format did little to deter the community who were keen to see the event’s return after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
While the show committee made the heartbreaking decision on Thursday to cancel all outdoor events due to safety concerns sparked by wet weather, it wasn’t all doom and gloom.
A break in the rain at the weekend saw the return of a number of attractions, including rides, showbags and food stands.
However, it was a different story late last week when the town recorded 25.4mm of rain in three days, resulting in the cancellation of all outdoor events and competitions.
“Unfortunately we had to cancel all the outdoor events,” Kerang and District Agricultural Society president John Poole said.
“The grounds were not safe and it was too dangerous to attempt to bring the trucks and horses in.”
Mr Poole said the committee was disappointed by the decision but said it was in the best interest of the public, competitors and exhibitors.
“After all the work we’ve put in, it is disappointing but there’s not much we could do about it,” he said.
Sue Freer of Rev It Up Racing experienced firsthand the sodden showgrounds last week.
She became bogged at the site and had to be towed from the grounds.
“It’s very sad for the organisers but looking at the grounds, it was the right decision,” she said.
While organisers are hopeful of a bounceback next year, they were grateful they had the opportunity to open the pavilions and display the talented works of the community this year.
“The pavilions were well patronised,” Mr Poole said.
“We had a good amount of entries in all sections and it was encouraging to see the interest from the younger generation with their entries.”
Meanwhile, the break in the wet weather is not expected to last, with a 90 per cent chance of showers today.
Kerang recorded a total of 67.1mm of rain during September, an increase of 16.7mm during the same period last year.
