2020 Parndana Show on Kangaroo Island a big success | PHOTOS

It was one of only a handful of country shows to proceed this year, with many forced to cancel due to COVID-19.

There was a sense of togetherness and a relief to be out among friends again, celebrating Island life.

Show society president Nic Tremaine joked that he organised the perfect weather and was pleased with the turn out.

More than 500 show bags sold out and there were long lines at the food stalls all day.

The 61st annual Parndana Show was a free event, thanks to funding provided by Bendigo Bank's SA Bushfire Disaster Appeal.

A local country show at the heart of Kangaroo Island, the Parndana Agricultural, Horticultural & Floricultural Show has been synonymous with the second Saturday of November for more than six decades.

But, following the devastating Black Summer Bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Parndana Show Society has faced significant financial challenges to facilitate and deliver a COVID-19 safe event, in line with government regulations and restrictions.

As a result, the SA Bushfire Advisory Committee - established to assist with the allocation and distribution of Bendigo Bank's SA Bushfire Disaster Appeal funds - provided $20,000 to cover the entry fees for all show attendees and traders on Saturday.

It was the first time in its 61-year history that the show was fully accessible to the entire KI community, for free.

Bendigo Bank customer relationship officer Jordan Sampson officially opened the show.

There were also three special screenings of "Fighting to Farm" documentary in the town hall during the day, which showcased the journey of the districts' settlers.

The screenings were very well attended and received by the community, which appreciated the telling of the Island's history, including the settlers' battle with the elements, authorities and the most recent fires.