THE recipe books were out, the animals were groomed and the performances were polished, but the Tamborine Mountain Country Fair did not go on.
In the show’s 95-year history it has been cancelled only a handful of times.
Even the inaugural event went ahead despite torrential rain, albeit at the Zamia Theatre, instead of the showgrounds.
Unfortunately, Cyclone Alfred will now be added to other devastating events such as wars and COVID, which stopped the show.
The cyclone wreaked havoc on the showgrounds, forcing organisers to make the tough decision to cancel the big day due to be held on March 15.
There is certainly some irony in the fact that this year’s show was due to be the Tamborine Mountain Country Fair and Disaster Awareness Show.
“I said wouldn’t it be bloody funny if we have to cancel the show because there’s a disaster on our disaster awareness day,” Vanessa Bull, President of the Tamborine Mountain Show A H and I Society laughed.
“We were told the power wouldn’t be on until Sunday and you can’t run a show without water, toilets and electricity; and rain was predicted until Saturday.”
“It’s heartbreaking for the committee, who have put so much work into it. The unfortunate part is the show societies have a date for all shows and you can’t change your date once you miss the show.”
She said even if an alternative date was able to be picked all the entertainment booked would be committed elsewhere.
The cancellation has put a strain on the Society, which has paid deposits to people who were booked to attend the show, not to mention the hours of work the seven committee members have spent planning the big day over the last year.
However, Vanessa said they will run a community fun day on March 30, similar to what was held after the tornado.
“We will have local stall holders to provide food for the community to celebrate and jumping castles and whatever we can get for a fun day,” she said.
She said they may also run on a different day a showcase of the artwork and flowers and cakes that was due to be held in the hall.
