A West Australian agricultural show made famous when it introduced Knickers the giant steer to the world has announced it is going ahead this year, despite the cancellation of similar events.
The Perth Royal Show was axed for 2020 when the WA Government announced it would postpone the introduction of phase five coronavirus restrictions until October 24th.
Other local agricultural shows have either followed suit or are up in the air, including events planned in the Upper Blackwood and Waroona.
But the organisers of the Brunswick Agricultural Show, held in the South West, have vowed to continue, adapting the event so it can operate under the current phase four restrictions.
"It is very sad to see all these shows not running," Brunswick Agriculture Society president Mark Talbot said.
"We've changed our layout, we've changed the structure of our show, our program has changed slightly.
"We're looking to employ a contractor to clean all surfaces regularly, clean our toilets, make sure everything is up to scratch."
Fundraising essential
The show, which started in 1932, attracted widespread attention in recent years for being the stomping ground of Knickers the giant steer.
Last year Knickers' presence at the show helped to raise more than $25,000 for a mental health charity.
Mr Talbot said the show's ability to help fundraise for the local community was a driving force behind the decision to operate in 2020.
"We probably generate something around a quarter of a million dollars back into the region into those little organisations," he said.
"So if we don't run a show, where do they get their fundraising money from?"
He said the one-day show, set for October 24th, would give local residents a break from the pandemic.
"I think if we can give something for people to look forward to – a great day out like that – not just promoting our area, but promoting everything, that's good for Western Australia," Mr Talbot said.
