The Manilla Show will go ahead in March 2021 with a new hybrid format fit for the 21st century.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to linger the Manilla Show Society are not leaving anything to chance this year and have pushed ahead with a half virtual and half in-person format for the 2021 show.
LouEllen Overton, Secretary of Manilla Show Society said it's vital to find a way to continue despite the challenges of COVID-19.
"It's important that we maintain our presence for the show in Manilla," Mrs Overton said, "And also allow our community to be a part of the show, despite the difficult circumstances."
The Show society used a $7000 donation from Tamworth Regional Council to rebuild their website, bringing the show up to date with modern technology and providing the perfect platform for this year's virtual events.
"It's going to be a show without a crowd," Mrs Overton said, "We are still going to maintain a platform for the community to display their talents in the Pavillion, we will have them judged and displayed as per usual and then everyone in the community will be able to view those goods in an online platform."
The Show Society plan to film a tour of the Pavillion and upload it to their new website so people in the community can take a virtual tour from their own device.
The online component of the show will host a pet show so local families can enter photographs of their beloved pets.
The much-loved fireworks display will still go ahead on the last evening and Mrs Overton encourages people to watch from home.
"Here in Manilla, just about everyone can see the fireworks from their front yard," Mrs Overton said, "And if they can't they can drive into town, park their car and stand beside it to watch the fireworks."
The new website and streaming capabilities mean they could also schedule some Hub competitions for yard dogs, sheep and cattle with competitors only allowed on-site, whilst streaming the events for a captive home audience.
Mrs Overton agreed taking the Manilla Show online could open up their audience to people from anywhere around the state, country or event the world.
"Our Facebook page will also host some content," Mrs Overton said, "We're hoping to get a wide audience which would be great."
The 89th Manilla Show will be going ahead on the 12th, 13th and 14th March and you can find out up to date information and enter events here.