A CHANGING society is threatening one of Kerang’s annual traditions.
Kerang and District Agricultural Society will decide today whether to cancel its debutante ball, scheduled for Friday, May 18.
Organisers have three couples who have confirmed to take part, but need at least another two couples to commit by 12 noon today to ensure the event will proceed.
If the ball does occur, practice sessions will begin on Sunday at the Kerang Memorial Hall.
“It is very, very sad that 83 years of history will go down the gurgler because we will not lower our standards and serve alcohol at our debutante ball,” agricultural society secretary, Tracy Roberts said.
“Somehow there is this view around that for people to go out for events to occur, there needs to be alcohol.
“Surely people can go without a drink for four hours.
“We run a traditional ball, and that is that.”
In its heyday, the ball attracted close to 40 debutantes, but has struggled in the past few years due to the popularity of the Waterwonderland Debutante Balls, held in July.
If the ball does not proceed, the event will not be resurrected in coming years, with the agricultural society to focus its resources on other events.
Anyone wishing to make their debut is urged to make contact with the Kerang Show Facebook page.
