THE COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its latest scalp, with the Riverland Field Days committee making the difficult decision to cancel the Riverland Field Days for the first time in its 62-year history.
Considering the uncertainty and restrictions around holding large events, the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, new lockdowns and closed borders, the committee felt that cancelling the Field Days, slated for September 18 and 19 at Barmera, was the right decision.
"We are disappointed to have to make the decision to cancel the field days this year", RFD chairman Ian Webber said.
"We have not missed a year since the first field day in 1958. It is a major event in our region and state and an important part of business promotion for the many exhibitors.
"However, the health and safety of our volunteers, exhibitors and community comes first and we don't wish to hold an event where that could be at risk."
With many exhibitors and attendees traditionally coming from interstate, Mr Webber said the RFD committee had been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation before making the decision to cancel the event.
"I want to thank the exhibitors, the volunteers, and all the groups that have supported the field days" Mr Webber said.
"We will now focus on 2021 when we will be back - brighter and better on September 17 and 18."
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