The Murrumburrah Harden Show Society has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Murrumburrah Harden Show in its traditional sense.
Due to health and safety concerns surrounding the current pandemic and the uncertainty of what restrictions will look like in September, when the Show usually runs, the decision has been made to hold a virtual show. At this stage, the fireworks will still run as planned, but the public will be asked to watch the spectacular event from home. If restrictions have eased by September, a meeting will be held to discuss how the public may be able to be involved.
“We are hoping that everyone can still get on board and support our Show in these uncertain times. We have had to make this decision in the best interest of all those involved in the running of the Show but still hope to keep the Show alive in a virtual form. Whilst the fireworks is a big financial outlay for the Show, we are keen to bring a bit of excitement to town and hope that by September we can all enjoy this together,” said Murrumburrah Harden Show President Andrew Jones.
The usual sections of the Pavilion will continue, however it will not be open to the public. Stewards for each section have been asked to reduce their classes to between 5 and 15 to allow a smaller schedule and the judging to be streamlined. The Secretary’s Office will be open for exhibits to be dropped off on Wednesday the 9th, Thursday the 10th and Friday morning, the 11th of September. Social distancing in line with Government guidelines will need to be adhered to at all times during the drop off of exhibits.
Judging will take place on Friday the 11th of September, with stewards asked to use local judges to reduce costs and unnecessary travel. The results will be announced on Saturday the 12th of September on the Show’s Facebook page and website, as well as published in local papers. Prize money totals are awaiting a final decision.
The Cattle, Sheep and Pet Shows will be run online. There will be no entry fee and exhibitors will be asked to submit a photo of their animal to the Show’s Facebook page or email address. The photos will be forwarded to a judge and judged on Friday the 11th of September, with results on Saturday the 12th of September. Results will be published on the Show’s Facebook page and website and in local papers. Prize money totals are awaiting a final decision.
The Yard Dog Competition and Show Dog Competition have unfortunately been cancelled, with the decision to focus on building the 2021 competitions.
Currently, the horse events are still planning on going ahead, depending on how restrictions continue.
The 2020 Woodchop Competition will go ahead, but will not be open to spectators. The competition will be live streamed to Facebook. Prize money is dependent on arranged sponsorship.
The Showgirl Competition will not go ahead this year. It is hoped postponing this year’s Competition will lead to larger numbers when the Showgirls return in 2021.
Donation tins will be placed in businesses in both Harden and Murrumburrah so members of the public are able to donate towards the fireworks spectacular.
