The rides operator from Leneva was left at home as COVID-19 ruined fetes and shows across the country.

"It cost us our entire income, we had no income, it would have been at least $100,000 or more," Mr Gardner said.

"We're just so lucky we live in Australia and we were able to get a bit of help through JobKeeper, because without that it would have been a complete disaster.

"That was the first time I was on the dole in my life, I wasn't proud."

To gain cash, Mr Gardner had a Fun Fair at Wodonga last month and is doing likewise at Albury Showground this weekend and next.

"Wodonga was great, it paid a lot of bills," he said.

"A lot of people have been very patient waiting for payment and all the people I do business with haven't once hounded me for money."

After next weekend, Mr Gardner will travel to Alice Springs for the Northern Territory show circuit.

He hopes to return for shows across the Border in spring, but is cautious given school fetes are on hold.

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Having grown up on a farm near Cobram with his father in the rides business, Mr Gardner said 2020 had been like no other year.

Registration for trucks lapsed to save money and time was spent on equipment maintenance as the 60 year-old had had his first chilly winter since 1974.

However, Mr Gardner is keen to return to his routine.

"We hope to keep the tradition alive," he said.

"We've got eight grandchildren following on, they are all part of the show in some way and help their mums and dads out."

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