It's "full steam ahead" for the 2021 Regional Australia Bank Dubbo Show with its volunteers and staff adopting a can-do attitude towards COVID-19 restrictions and rules if need be.
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In fact, online ticketing and biosecurity measures introduced at previous shows are providing a head start.
The prospect of a federal government grant of up to $70,000 has also buoyed efforts to get the show back on its feet after the coronavirus pandemic resulted in its cancellation this year.
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Dubbo Show Society president Chris Edwards and secretary Sue Hood are upbeat about the show getting off the ground and meeting the challenges posed by the coronavirus.
Mrs Hood, show society secretary for 25 years, has this week announced that the 2021 show is scheduled for May 14,15 and 16.
"It's full steam ahead," she said.
"The 2022 show will be held on the 27th, 28th and 29th of May and I'm about to do the dates for 2023."
The cancellation of the 2020 show deprived the society of income to help get the 2021 event up and running.
But show societies unable to run shows this year will share in $36 million in federal grants ranging from $10,000 to $70,000.
"$70,000 would help us cement our progress between now and probably February," Mrs Hood said.
"You have insurances and all sorts of things to pay and you need that cash flow to do it.
"But any money will be gratefully accepted."
More than 20,000 people attended the 2019 show which cost almost $750,000 to run.
An array of entertainment was paid for by ticket sales and sponsors.
Mrs Hood is hoping not to have to pay the usual "deposits" when she books entertainers for the 2021 show.
$70,000 would help us cement our progress between now and probably February.
- Dubbo Show Society secretary Sue Hood
The increased cost of adhering to COVID-19 restrictions and rules has not dissuaded the show society from forward planning.
Mr Edwards said online ticket sales were popular with the public and a potential future means of contact tracing.
"If people do that you automatically have their name and address," he said.
Mrs Hood said hand-washing and sanitising was already offered in the likes of the show's animal nursery.
She said the practice would be extended into other sections including cattle.
".. if this is what we have to live with, we are going to do it," Mrs Hood said.
