WHILE news of the Royal Adelaide Show cancellation was a blow, many members of the RAS team did not have much downtime before they were back to work, busy ensuring the show could - in some format - go on.
Today, the team launched their website theshowathome.com.au, which brings some of the big elements of the Royal safely to people's computers.
RAS marketing manager Kirrilee Hay said the idea came from public feedback.
"There was so much disappointment that the show couldn't go ahead that it was suggested by quite a few people (to have an online show)," she said.
"We took the idea and threw it back to our social media followers about what that could look like."
The result is a website that captures much of the fun of the show, including the competitions, entertainment, stallholders and - of course - showbags.
The website will include a directory to many of the 400 to 600 commercial exhibitors to help them out at a time when many may be struggling, Ms Hay said, some of whom are offering "showtime" specials.
RAS brand manager Ben Steggall said another element they were excited about was the chance to make the Yellow Brick Road into more of a road trip.
People will be encouraged to get out and visit the bricks and mortar buildings of many of the state's food and beverage retailers, including many in regional areas, with the operators involved often offering giveaways or at least discounts.
Also included on the website will be a link to the RAS archives for people to peruse, as well as a section providing judging guidelines.
"It is primarily for the public so they will be able to sit in on the beef cattle and understand what the judges are looking for, or the cheese or handicrafts," Mr Steggall said.
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But agriculture still remains a core element.
Between Monday, September 7 through to Friday, September 11, there will be a daily livestream on topics including agricultural or horticultural masterclasses as well as a cellar door experience with wine and beer tasting.
"With the cellar doors, the knowledge our councillors will be able to show and talk through these elements is really interesting," Ms Hay said.
The sounds of the show will also be shared with RAS partnering with radio station SEN 1629 to do a two-hour daily broadcast from September 7-11, called The Show Must Go On..
The program, hosted by Kym Dillon, will share stories of the communities and businesses that rely on the show and include interviews with show identities and characters, as well as producers of local food, wine, horticulture and agriculture.
Sideshow alley has not been forgotten, with a section for carnival games, the chance to build a rollercoaster, and the view from the seat of favourite rides such as The Beast or the Ferris wheel.
Then each night the show will finish with some entertainment from favourites such as D-Max, through archival footage, before a unique, custom built and 3D-rendered fireworks display that will be streamed through the RAS Facebook, YouTube and TSAH website.
Ms Hay said they began working on the site in mid-April, pulling together ideas from social media followers, the different show committees and other stakeholders, including sponsors.
"Essentially it's the best bits of the RAS on a digital platform," Mr Steggall said.
- The website is live now until September 13 at theshowathome.com.au
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
