Scaling back the Warrnambool show to only one day has attracted a mostly positive response and organisers are hoping their gamble pays off.
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Show committee president Rachel Alexander revealed this week that the three-day format would be condensed to just one day for the entertainment sections, but some show events such as cattle and horses would run two and four days respectively.
Following a poor turnout last year, it was reported that the sideshow alley may disappear from the October show but Ms Alexander confirmed it would stay but the fireworks would probably go.
“It is quite a large change for the community to take on in one go,” she said.
One Standard reader labelled the changes as risky, but Ms Alexander said that running the event in the old three-day format would have been a bigger risk.
“We’re moving with the times and hoping our gamble pays off,” Ms Alexander wrote.
One reader wrote that it was a “better idea then letting it die a slow death which it has been”.
Another reader also praised the change as a great idea. “The committee have worked so hard over the years to keep this event alive, I hope this format works better for everyone,” she wrote.
“Hopefully the local community gets behind the hard working committee and support this show, as you nearly lost it,” another wrote.
It was also suggested that making the show only one day indicated the show was on its death bed.
But Ms Alexander said they were just minimising their risk and ensuring people get value for money when they come through the gate.
“It’s also been implemented to take the pressure off our volunteers as well,” she said.
While one reader thought free entry would be a good idea, another asked what would be the point of having it for just one day?
Others called on the community to step up and help “be the reason the show continues”.
Ms Alexander said the response so far had been mostly supportive, and thought more people would get behind the show when they were able to unveil more specific details of the new format.
“We’re looking forward to getting more details out,” she said.