The Show Society was hoping this years' event would bring happiness and reprieve for locals from the devastating bushfires and drought. However, the decision was made to postpone the event due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The 2020 Showgirl Competition has also been postponed, with 2019 Kempsey Showgirl Keely Lawrence continuing on in the position until the competition is able to be held.

"It was a disappointing decision to have to postpone the Kempsey Show, a lot of hard work goes into the organising and planning," Keely said.

"This years' show was going to be important as well because of the hardships people in the community have had to face including the bushfires and the drought. It was going to be a boost for the community."

Keely, along with Showgirl Coordinator and 2018 Kempsey Showgirl Elizabeth Jackson, are hoping to hold the 2020 competition in late July or early August.

"Even if the 2020 show is held at a later date, we still want to have a Showgirl Competition this year," Keely said.

"We don't know how long the restrictions due to the virus will be in place, but we're hopeful we will be able to hold the competition in July or August."

This would mean the announcement of Kempsey Showgirl would not take place at the show.

"It's unfortunate for the new Showgirl, because she wouldn't be in the position for a full year. We would need to look at how we would make sure she gets the most out of the position.

"The announcement also wouldn't take place at the show and Elizabeth and I looking at what type of event we could hold for the announcement instead."

However the competition and the show may go ahead later in the year, Keely said the Show Society is there for the community.

"We will hold these events for the community when we can and hopefully that will be later this year.

"The health of the public is very important to us and we have taken the postponement of the gatherings involved with the competition and the 2020 show very seriously."