Finley Show moves online to stay alive

Finley’s annual show will go ahead, but not in its traditional format.Instead of cancelling the September event this year, the Finley Show Society has committed to hosting many of its normal activities virtually.Livestock events — beef, dairy, sheep, poultry and guinea pigs — will all be held online, with the reduced schedule expected to be released next month.At this stage the popular pavilion will be retained in the schedule, and opened over three days instead of one to allow for social distancing and crowd control to take place.Coronavirus related restrictions in place today mean horse events, sideshow alley, food stalls and other entertainment will not be allowed.The Finley Show Society will meet again on July 22 to assess up to date guidelines and what it means for these events.Society president Matt Mueller said the committee is exploring every alternative to cancelling the show, so as not to remove the show experience completely.‘‘The Finley Show has always been a great day for family and the community to get together, and the committee is trying its best, under current circumstances, to be able to host a physical pavilion,’’ he said.‘‘Although the show will look different, we hope everyone will still visit.‘‘To all our regular pavilion contestants, we look forward to another tough year of judging your brilliant entries.‘‘I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters for their continued support over the years.’’Further information can be found on the Show Society website www.finleyshowsociety.org, the group’s Facebook page or by phoning 0499872437.