The 2021 Wingham Summertime Rodeo has been cancelled.
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The decision was made by the organising committee on Wednesday, October 14 following consultation with the Agricultural Show Council and Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie.
Wingham Show Society president Elaine Turner said a cap on attendees and a ban of non-essential events meant the committee was left with no choice but called off the rodeo, which was set to take place on January 2.
"The permitted 500 people attending an event, such as our rodeo, would need to include stock hands, competitors, security, essential services and volunteers," Elaine said.
"This would mean that there could only be approximately 250 spaces for patrons available.
"There is also the four metre safe distancing ruling and the requirement to have an allocated seating, ticketed event.
"The logistics and cost for putting on the rodeo for 250 patrons would be exactly the same for 5000 patrons."
According to Elaine, ticket prices would have been 'astronomical' if the rodeo proceeded with just 250 attendees.
A live stream option would also be a 'pay for view with unreasonable costs'.
"This was not an easy decision to make and we know that many of you will be disappointed, however our patrons, competitors and volunteers health and safety should always come first," Elaine said.
"This is a priority for us and we do not intend to place any of you at risk."
The next rodeo will be held on Saturday, January 8 2022.