Murray Bridge Show goes off without a hitch
Thousands have flocked to the 2021 Murray Bridge Show, the first held since COVID-19 struck.
This post was contributed by the Murray Bridge Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
They’ve done it: volunteers have pulled off a successful Murray Bridge Show in the age of COVID-19.
More than 3800 people attended Saturday’s show, inspecting exhibits, watching competitions and coming home with armloads of showbags.
Agricultural and horticultural society president Geoff Gale credited committee members, convenors, judges and stewards for holding their nerve and giving locals something to smile about even as shows elsewhere around South Australia were cancelled.
“The event was a remarkable achievement on a number of levels,” he said.
“The support given by our volunteers, exhibitors and other show volunteers from around the region was miraculous, and everyone involved deserves great accolades for their effort.
“There were all the normal teething problems associated with traders, but overall everything seemed to run smoothly.”
New convenors took charge of several sections this year and made a few changes, leaving more space for art and moving eggs to the poultry pavilion.
Floriculture entries were down but the quality was “outstanding”, while photography entries were plentiful.
The length, crimp and lustre of wool entries was “a feast for the eyes”.
Four long-term contributors were awarded life membership of the show society on the day: equestrian Meg Bartlett, poultry expert Adrian Burgess, assistant secretary Michelle Roberts and secretary Helen Schulz.
The show also hosted the state finals for young judges in fleece, wool sheep, meat sheep and dairy, and a state final for young ambassadors and rural ambassadors.
Coordinator Peter Angas was extremely impressed at how the events came together on short notice.
“When the Royal Adelaide Show had to cancel due to COVID issues, we were faced with the challenge of how to hold the finals again,” he said.
“We approached the Murray Bridge Show committee; they have bent over backwards to make everything happen and it was a credit to all concerned.”
Mr Gale thanked the business and individuals who had provided support through sponsorship, including Seagas, the Murray Bridge Greyhound Association, Thomas Foods and Costa Foods.
Ultimately, though, he said volunteers and exhibitors had made the show such a success.
He hoped more locals would get involved ahead of the 2022 show, making it bigger and better than ever.
- Volunteer: Call the secretary on 8531 0248 or 0400 778 090, or email secretary@murraybridgeshow.com.au.
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