The 2021 Port Elliot Show

The 2021 Port Elliot Show is scheduled for the 9th & 10th of October 2021!

Plans for our 142nd show this year are well underway, and the Management Committee is working extremely hard regarding the realities of being able to present, to the best of our ability and in line with SA Health directives, a “Covid Safe” show.

We all know just how difficult life has been for some of us over the past eighteen months. Despite this, the fact is that SA has done so well overall throughout this difficult time. The one and only reason for this is that the majority of South Australians have had the sense to follow the various directives from SA Health regarding the many restrictions that have been introduced, such as social distancing and the number of people allowed at venues etc. and continuing to abide by these directives when they were relaxed.

As much as we are planning on presenting another wonderful two day show with animals, entertainment, indoor exhibits/competitions, trade sites, food vans, side shows etc, the reality is that the show as we have known it in the past, will be different. The number of people allowed on the grounds and within pavilions at any one time will be restricted. If enjoying outdoor activities, the social distancing restriction of the time will need to be adhered to and side show ride numbers will be monitored closely by those running the rides, as per their own Covid Plans. Of course, all those entering the grounds will need to check in via our QR code or signed forms at the entry gates, with this confirmed by gate staff before entry is allowed.

Volunteers

1. We have a wonderful group of volunteers who work to organise the show throughout the year, year after year.

2. We also have a terrific group of volunteers who work the week prior to the show at the grounds, many of whom appear every year, and help to clean pavilions, set up the oval, guide traders to their sites etc.

3. Many volunteers give up one or both days of their weekend to help when the show is open, and then some with the help of others, undertake the work necessary to prepare the grounds on the Saturday evening for Sunday’s events. Some of these volunteers even stay or return Sunday evening to dismantle everything, so that on Sunday night most of the pack-up is complete, with just a few marquees etc to be removed from the grounds. This is a fantastic effort.

Hence, we now come to the “meat of the matter”.

4. We estimate that approximately 100 extra volunteers will be needed to run this year’s show. Specifically, these people will be Covid Marshalls who will be required to be on the grounds at all times while the show is open and at times during the week before.

We also need volunteers who will be “checkers”, counting those entering and exiting the grounds or pavilions to ensure that we do not exceed the number of visitors allowed on the grounds at any one time.

Obviously, we don’t expect people to be on duty all day, so rosters will be available to let people know when and where around the grounds, their assistance is required.
Hence, if you are a Covid Marshall or willing to be a “checker” during the show, or volunteer with any other activity, please let us know by contacting me as soon as possible.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Thanks,
Gayle (VP1/Secretary)