The much-loved Mount Gambier Show will be back in full force this October for the first time in three years.
The 2020 show was cancelled while last year’s show was scaled back and divided into three sessions due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Although a full capacity show usually attracts 10,000 people through the gates, last year’s event exceeded expectations with 10,400 showgoers over the two days.
The Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural (A & H) Society made the decision to put on a full show this year at their annual general meeting in March.
Horse competitions and the Led Steer Program will take place on the Thursday which will generate a ‘hive of activity’ for the show on Friday and Saturday.
Mount Gambier A & H Society immediate past president Danielle Tulak said while committee members were excited, they had lost volunteers in the past few years.
“So, we have got some new people on board, which is always good for new ideas, but it’s hard losing volunteers,” she said.
“I think If we had not had an event in 2021, we may have lost a lot more of our volunteers.
“We have not had a lot of new people enquire which is a shame.
“We would love for more people in the community to get involved and see what it takes to put on such a large event.”
Those interested in volunteering can contact the Mount Gambier Show via email admin@mgshow.com.au or on Facebook.
Mrs Tulak said the gate price would increase for the first time since 2016 due to a rise in insurance by entertainment which was being passed on.
“We’re a non-profit organisation, and we cannot wear those costs,” she said.
“I guess we looked at other events happening in our region, and we were what we would consider pretty reasonably priced.
“We have always tried to keep the cost as low as possible to the community, but unfortunately, you know, this year it had to go up slightly, otherwise next year would have been a really big jump.”
Gate prices at this year’s show will be $18 for adults, $10 children 5-15 years, family $45, concession $12 and chidren under 5 free.
