The Tullamore, Trundle, Peak Hill and Parkes shows were all scheduled to take place next month, and following the outbreak in NSW of the highly infectious Delta strain all four Show Society's made the heartbreaking decision to cancel their 2021 Shows.

It's a bitter pill to swallow for all the organisers, stakeholders, show goers and competitors after the 2020 Shows were all cancelled as well.

There's no doubt about it being the right decision, though.

This highly infectious strain of COVID-19 spreads so quickly, and the safety of our communities is paramount.

We've done so well, and we don't want to slip now, as devastating as it is to lose what is essentially the biggest event on every town's calendar.

The Shows all have a grand, long-running tradition in our community, and are vital to fostering town camaraderie and maintaining mental health - which remains a critical issue out here.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Parkes Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural (PA and H) Association announced the cancellation of the Show that was set down for August 30 through to September 1.

"This difficult decision is a result of what those present at Monday night's committee meeting considered the unacceptable degree of risk to the community currently posed by the COVID situation in the east of our state," read the statement.

"Following the cancellation of the 2020 Parkes Show, the committee had high hopes for a spectacular 140th celebration and show, but it has become increasingly apparent in recent days that there is no guarantee that the Show would be able to proceed in the first instance and certainly no way of knowing the conditions and limitations that may yet be imposed."

Another complicating factor for the Parkes Show was the fact building works are in progress at the Showground, with the main pavilion being demolished due to structural issues, and unable to be used.

It is hoped that cancellation at this stage, while far from the ideal, will give exhibitors, competitors, traders, Showmen's Guild members and the general public the opportunity to consider alternative arrangements and to reduce the financial risk.

Show president Peter Unger acknowledged it was a sad result for the community.

"I feel for the community of Parkes, another event cancelled and I believe there was great anticipation for the 2021 Parkes Show to help bring some normality back," he said.

In the coming weeks, some alternative local activities will be announced including a Showgirl dinner as well as those competitions that proceed from local level to group with the opportunity of representation at Sydney Royal.

At this stage, the 2021 Parkes Showgirl judging and dinner is planned to take place on Saturday, August 14 at the Parkes Services Club.

Young women aged 18 - 25 are encouraged to enter the Showgirl Competition for the chance to gain training, win great prizes, and represent Parkes at the Zone Judging in Condobolin for the chance to move forward to the Sydney Royal Easter Showgirl Competition.

The decision was on the back of the Tullamore Show Society's cancelling their event last Friday; with Trundle and Peak Hill following suit on Thursday morning.

In a statement on Facebook, the Trundle Pastoral and Agricultural Society regrettably announced the cancellation of the Show that was to be held on August 17 and 18, but said they were looking forward to another exciting event.

"The committee wishes to advise that the motion was unanimously passed at the July Steward's and General meeting to cancel the 2021 Trundle Show," said the statement.

"The committee is looking forward to planning the Stationary Engines Day to be held on the March 26, 2022."

The Peak Hill Show Society's statement on Facebook echoed the same sentiments while the Tullamore PA and H's statement acknowledged the tough decision.

This decision has not been made lightly and has been made with the bests interests of Tullamore and the district in mind...but the committee would like to welcome Jessica Thompson into the role of Secretary and we wish her all the best in this role," read last Friday's statement.

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