The COVID-19 pandemic hasn't exactly been associated with booming times but for the Taralga Show it helped deliver an amazing achievement.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Taralga Show Society was awarded the AgShows Resilience Award on Sunday evening after being nominated for its efforts in ensuring both a 2020 and 2021 event went ahead despite the shadow of the pandemic looming over agricultural shows around NSW.
Society Secretary Laura Craig said getting both shows over the line helped deliver the award over fellow nominees Dubbo and Trundle.
"They had fairly good nominations as well so we're feeling very honoured to come away with the win," she told the Post.
"Because we managed to get both our shows in, I think that's why we won."
While COVID was the consistent challenge, Craig explained the circumstances in both years were unique.
"In 2020 it was the last weekend before lockdown started so we were incredibly lucky," she said.
"I started getting messages the Friday before asking if it was still going ahead and I thought, yes of course what are you on about? It wasn't until I looked at the news and went 'oh'.
"2021 was definitely more difficult. We had to be a lot more cautious and have more precautions in place in regards to how many people were allowed in pavilions.
"Also doing up our own COVID-safe plan was a fair bit of extra work but it was definitely worth it.
"Saturday was a beautiful sunny day and because we had extra care we got a lot more people in the gate, in fact it ended up being our biggest ever day in terms of gate takings."
So what was the secret to overcoming a once-in-a-century pandemic and a 130-year takings record?
"The key was being really well prepared," she explained.
"I took two weeks off work before the show and so did a lot of other people. We're lucky to have a really great committee.
"We were committed to having a show and giving the community something to look forward to."
Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a daily email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.
