The Bundaberg Show public holiday on Thursday, 28 May 2020 will continue to be observed despite the Show being officially cancelled.
The show society regretfully announced the cancellation on Wednesday, saying they'll be “back stronger for 2021 with preparation already underway with all your favourites returning”.
The Childers Show planned for 23 May won't be going ahead either.
“We thank you for your understanding and support at this time and understand the disappointment. Take care during these times,” the show society announced last month on Facebook.
“During this time the committee is still working hard at organising a bigger and better 2021 Childers Show.”
Likewise, cancellation of the Gin Show planned for 29-30 May was also decided last month.
“This will impact many people directly and indirectly involved with the Show,” organisers said.
“We ask for your understanding at this time. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Rest assured, the Gin Gin Show will be back next year, bigger and better than ever!”
The State Government has advised that show holidays will remain in place.
The 28 May holiday applies in the 4660 (Childers) and 4670 postcode areas.
In the 4671 postcode area (Gin Gin and district), the holiday is on Monday, 10 August to coincide with the Royal Queensland Show which has also been cancelled because of Coronavirus restrictions.
It's just the third time in the Ekka’s 143-year history that the show has been cancelled.
It was previously abandoned in 1919 due to the Spanish Flu epidemic and in 1942 when the grounds were used as a World War Two staging depot.
Meanwhile, Governor Paul de Jersey has expressed his disappointment.
“While many communities cannot come together in the usual way this year, the Governor has released a special video message honouring the civic pride so wonderfully demonstrated at show time, a sense of community which will emerge stronger and ever more forceful,” Government House announced.
“Shows offer precious insights into community life,” His Excellency says in the video.
“The last time many shows were cancelled was during the Spanish Flu pandemic just over a century ago.
“Most persisted, even during wartime. We are indeed a stoic people.”
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Why is the show holiday still on if the show is not?