Officials today confirmed it is likely there will be no Dorrigo Show this year.
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If abandoned, it will be only the second time in the show’s 104 year history.
The confirmation, by senior officers of the Dorrigo Show Society, will send shock waves through the Plateau and the Mid North Coast.
Agricultural shows are considered permanent fixtures in the annual cycle of country centres. To have one abandoned is almost unthinkable.
It is not a shortage of exhibitors, business support or finance that threatens the show’s future but a serious shortage of volunteers.
“A lack of volunteers to run Dorrigo Show has been an ominous and growing shadow over the management committee for several years,” Society President Sally Duckett said today.
“Last year the problem was critical; this year it is almost impossible.
“We desperately need men and women of all ages to fill a variety of roles supervising the various sections of our exhibition.
“The committee is appealing to interested people from the Dorrigo area and across the Mid North Coast and New England who are willing to volunteer a small amount of time.
“The work is not difficult, our need is enormous and we will be deeply grateful for every person who steps forward.
”We are asking retired stewards to consider “making a comeback” and appealing to present or retired show members to help us out.”
“Over the years Dorrigo businesses have excelled in their support of the show with sponsorship and donations,” Mrs Duckett said
“Now it’s the community’s turn to offer their support.
“There are lots of small jobs available all with job descriptions and time lines.
“Our society has more than 650 paid up members, probably the largest membership of any organisation on the plateau. That’s something to be proud of.
“We had a successful show in 2015, despite the poor weather. Entries were up in all the major livestock categories, and our fruit cake and Woollen Garments have been selected for exhibition at the Royal Sydney Show.”
News of the possibility of no Dorrigo Show in 2016 has sparked anger in some quarters.
More....
One life time exhibitor told a senior society officer: "No way - over my dead body!”
Among the positions most urgently need to be filled are: treasurer, membership steward, entries/schedule steward, trade space steward, fun run steward, student section steward, grounds stewards, hall steward, technical steward and gate stewards.
Interested people should phone Mrs Duckett, 66575241 or society secretary, Carolyn Cannon, (04) 3797-7189.
Senior committee members are available at the Show Society stall, Made in Dorrigo on Ester Saturday.