With less than six weeks until the start of the Mount Gambier Show, organising committees have been busily preparing for this year’s event.
Mount Gambier Show President Danielle Tulak said current COVID restrictions meant the 2021 event will be structured differently to previous events, to ensure the show society meets health and safety restrictions during these unprecedented times.
Ms Tulak said several new initiatives have been initiated for the 2021 event to meet SA Health directives and requirements and to enable the group to continue to put on an event for the community.
“At the present moment we are waiting on confirmation from SA Health the event can go ahead as we have planned, but we understand that for many families and individuals the show is such an exciting time that many want to start planning their day at the show already,” she said.
“There are several important changes for patrons to be aware of this year, including the new session times and online ticketing.
“Session times are fixed for our event to ensure that everyone can come and experience what the show has to offer and allows us as a society to ensure we are not turning people away because we have met or exceeded patron numbers.”
Ms Tulak said the show sessions were set to be six hours each, with multiple sessions available.
These include Friday, October 22 from 10am-4pm, Saturday October 23 from 9am-3pm and from 4pm-10 pm.
“Pre-purchasing tickets is a great way to make your show dollars go further, with savings of 25% off the 2019 gate prices,” Ms Tulak said.
“Reduced ticket prices for 2021 take into consideration the changes required for this year’s event and the acknowledgement that some sections will not be operating at full capacity due to border restrictions.
“Facial masks are a requirement for entry to this year’s event, as per current SA Health restrictions.
“Patrons will not be permitted entry without a facial mask or a written medical exemption.
“Patrons will need to wear a mask at our event, with all COVID marshalls instructed to remind patrons as they enjoy our show.
Ms Tulak said entry to the grounds will only be via one gate and this will be heavily sign posted to ensure access for all patrons.
“At this point in time seated consumption of food and drink is compulsory and will be monitored by our team of COVID marshalls and security staff,” she said.
“The showgrounds will have a large number of security staff and COVID marshalls for the two-day event to ensure all patrons can enjoy the show in a safe way.”
Ms Tulak said showbags and show rides would again feature, including several interstate vendors that have been touring SA’s show circuit during recent months.
“Our volunteers and staff have a monumental task ahead of them for this year’s event,” she said.
“The cleaning requirements alone are quite large, so we are all learning these new processes and procedures together.
“It’s important for our patrons to remember the show is brought about by a group of committed volunteers that are passionate about our agricultural and horticultural industries.
“COVID restrictions are new for us too and we are doing our best to bring our community together for the show.”
Ms Tulak encouraged member of the community to stay up to date with the show and relevant COVID restrictions by following them on Facebook and visiting www.mgshow.com.au and checking on the FAQs page.
Car parking will be provided for a gold coin donation – with all funds being donated to RFDS with car parking limited to the northern car park on Pick Avenue at the South Eastern Hotel end.
Patrons will not be able to access the showgrounds via Gratwick Drive (entry across from Pick Avenue Bakery) and will not be able to park their cars in the southern car park.
The public will also be required to scan in with the SA Health app and QR code, or via manual sign in at the entry gate.
Visit ticketebo.com.au/mount-gambier-agricultural-and-horticultural-society-inc/mount-gambier-spring-show for ticketing information and to purchase tickets.
