Showjumpers to put best foot forward as Nowra comp and steer and alpaca judging goes ahead

NORMALLY at this time of the year the Nowra Showground is a hive of activity as preparations for the annual Nowra Show really ramp up.

Unfortunately, the 145th Nowra Show set down for this weekend has been postponed due to concerns over COVID-19.

Despite the show not going ahead, a couple of events, which have bearing on and are lead ups for the Sydney Royal are still continuing.

The annual showjumping event is going ahead as competitors compile points for next year's Easter Show, while the junior steer competition which also sees a junior judging component progress to the Sydney Royal are both being held this Saturday.

The annual alpaca show is also being staged.

Nowra Show president Mark Stewart said the events, due to COVID restraints, are competitor only events.

"While they are not classified as being put on by the Nowra Show, we are facilitating the events and a number of our volunteers are assisting so the events can go ahead," he said.

"Certainly it's disappointing we can't stage our show as usual.

"But these are the times we live in - it's disappointing how it's panned out but it is a real struggle for any volunteer run organisation to hold events where you have to conduct the event in a safe COVID manner.

"Our volunteers are busy enough as it is come showtime, without having to put all the extra COVID responsibilities on top of that."

Despite this weekend's scheduled show being postponed volunteers still took to the grounds last weekend to ensure the cattle arena and horse stable areas are ready for the events.

"The showground looks fantastic at the moment," Mr Stewart said.

"It's just so green."

Despite the disappointment, Mr Stewart is hopeful of being able to announce in coming weeks a proposed date later in the year for the postponed Nowra Show

"We are looking at staging a spring show later in the year," he said.

"Having a spring show will create a whole different experience for showgoers. We will have different produce available at that time of the year.

"We are just waiting to clarify a few things. The government seems pretty optimistic with the roll out of vaccines etc, so our focus remains to run a show in 2021.

"And I'm sure it will be a beauty."

Among the many events postponed from this weekend's Nowra Show is the Sikorsky Australia's Plane Simple paper plane competition.

The winners of this year's competition will be announced at a later date, with the presentations to be held at a time when it is COVID-safe to get everyone together.

Article courtesy of Australian Community Media and the South Coast Register