Record-breaking Canning Show signals return for major community shows post COVID
Record-breaking Canning Show signals return for major community shows post COVID
Updated: 10 Nov 2020
Charli Peasley
A record-breaking 15,000 people walked through the gates at last weekend's 2020 LiveLighter Canning Show, giving the go ahead for major state and national agricultural shows post-COVID.
As with almost all industry, COVID wiped out pretty much any prospects of major agricultural shows for 2020, with the annual Perth Royal Show's cancellation the most notable. Once restrictions were relaxed and agricultural shows were able to go ahead again, there was an aura of unsureness around how the shows would work and whether they would be the same with COVID safe restrictions, particularly the 60% capacity rule.
However, the community support for the Canning Show was prevalent over the weekend, with 15,000 tickets purchased and multiple sold out sessions over two days, resulting in the second year in a row they've set a new record for attendance. Since this was WA's first major show since COVID hit, this meant they had to expand the show grounds to allow for the same amount of people as last year in order to appease the 60% capacity rule. Punters headed down in the masses to enjoy laser tag, pony unicorn rides, mini golf, freestyle motorbike ramp shows, rides, fireworks live music and of course, an array of food options.
Hosted by not-for-profit agency Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society, the success of the show is a testament to the hundreds of hard working volunteers and staff at the agency. Dates for 2021 haven't been announced just yet, but keep an eye out for updates!
As with almost all industry, COVID wiped out pretty much any prospects of major agricultural shows for 2020, with the annual Perth Royal Show's cancellation the most notable. Once restrictions were relaxed and agricultural shows were able to go ahead again, there was an aura of unsureness around how the shows would work and whether they would be the same with COVID safe restrictions, particularly the 60% capacity rule.
However, the community support for the Canning Show was prevalent over the weekend, with 15,000 tickets purchased and multiple sold out sessions over two days, resulting in the second year in a row they've set a new record for attendance. Since this was WA's first major show since COVID hit, this meant they had to expand the show grounds to allow for the same amount of people as last year in order to appease the 60% capacity rule. Punters headed down in the masses to enjoy laser tag, pony unicorn rides, mini golf, freestyle motorbike ramp shows, rides, fireworks live music and of course, an array of food options.
Hosted by not-for-profit agency Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society, the success of the show is a testament to the hundreds of hard working volunteers and staff at the agency. Dates for 2021 haven't been announced just yet, but keep an eye out for updates!
