THE Walbundrie Show Society has been forced to abandon its popular community event for the second successive year.
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With soaring COVID cases forcing NSW into lockdown at the weekend, show president Rick Clancy said it would have been irresponsible to press ahead.
The October 4 show attracts shearers and horse riders from as far away as Griffith, Leeton, Junee, Wagga, Tumbarumba, Yarrawonga and Berrigan and traditionally draws a 5000-strong crowd.
"The NSW situation started to get out of control over the weekend and we had no other option," Mr Clancy said.
"It's disappointing for our patrons and visitors because it's a great day out but we have a responsibility to the community.
It's disappointing for our patrons and visitors because it's a great day out but we have a responsibility to the community.
- Rick Clancy
"The health, well-being and safety of everyone concerned is of the utmost importance.
"For some people it can be their last social outing before Christmas, but all we can do is move on and prepare for next year's show."
The cancellation comes only days after the Henty Machinery Field Days fell victim to COVID for the second year in a row.
Organisers are hoping to run the event in March next year.
Several other Border and North East country shows are expected to make decisions on their events in coming weeks.
Mr Clancy said the cancellation was particularly disappointing after Walbundrie had upgraded its facilities over the past 12 months.
"There have been major improvements to the showgrounds this year," he said.
"There has been a lot of cementing between the sheds as well as shelter being put up near the netball courts.
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"Our volunteers have been fantastic.
"It's disappointing we won't be able to showcase that."
The Walbundrie show has been running for over 100 years with the addition of shearing competitions proving a huge success over the past decade.
On a lighter note, Mr Clancy fears he may have cursed the Walbundrie show after taking over the presidency from Max Webb.
"I've been president for two years and they have both been called off," he said.
"A committee member told me the other day that it might be three strikes and I'm out."
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