COHUNA Show’s Kirstin Nicholson has refused to allow the coronavirus-prompted cancellation of the event to defeat her.
The Show is now running in the virtual environment, with sections being regularly added online, allowing those keen to enter their wares to participate.
Certainly it’s a bit different, with no closing date and no prizes and there aren’t judges to taste cookery items, but everyone can still enjoy studying people’s efforts, through the Cohuna Show Facebook page.
An exciting element of the virtual show is the fact that entries can come from anywhere, with photographic contributions arriving from as far afield as Ireland.
The virtual Cohuna Show was announced on March 25, with new feature categories and challenges being added since.
One category focuses on ‘mini beasts’, with participants sending photos of insects and small animals from around their houses and gardens.
Bees, including a Galway bumblebee, a lizard and spiders have featured among entries.
People have shown an array of skills in the kitchen, sending in shots of their decorated biscuits, preserves and cakes.
Paintings and cut flowers have also played their part in the unique show, bringing colour and interest to those in Cohuna and far afield, and forming a connection between people.
There have also been some online demonstrations for people to enjoy and replicate, such as a live carrot cake bake off featuring Jess Mihailovic (pictured) from Cakedge, which was held on Monday afternoon.
Local Ms Nicholson, who wrote a history of the Cohuna Show, came up with the idea of the virtual event and explained her motivation.
“While this is no official show and is not affiliated with any show bodies, it’s a way that we can still showcase our local talents and feel connected to the show and our community,” Ms Nicholson said.
She noted she is glad the virtual show is providing something for people to do while cooped up at home.
Ms Nicholson had a successful go at Ms Mihailovic’s carrot cake, having to adapt her creation to the current era of COVID-19 sparked shortages.
“It actually worked out fine, despite having no eggs, and I’ve learned that I can substitute banana and cream for eggs,” Ms Nicholson said.
The improvised cake was a hit with her husband, who ate most of it.
More art and craft, cooking and photography opportunities await, with Ms Nicholson also contemplating a pet parade and perhaps a talent quest.
She said challenges need to be able to be completed at home and to be consistent with social distancing requirements.
