The Albany Agricultural Society held its inaugural Spring Fair at the town's Centennial Park showgrounds last weekend and incorporated the launch of its Albany Central Markets.
Unable to hold the annual Albany Show due to COVID-19 restrictions, the committee settled on the smaller, lower-key option of a Spring Fair and was granted permission to host a 15,000-visitor event from Friday to Sunday.
President Rob Wright said it had been a challenging time with hundreds of hours spent getting things right in a COVID environment to host an event and the free entry Spring Fair was a good alternative to the regular show.
It had meant spacing exhibitors out, installing sanitisation stations and ensuring visitors could only move in one direction through the pavilions and sideshow alley.
"Still we had plenty of highlights with an army display, rural displays, the State carriage horse driving championships, fireworks, draft horse display, horticultural displays, showjumping and other equestrian competitions," Mr Wright said.
"Having a free event (although people were asked to give a gold coin donation if they wished) meant visitors could come and go several times during the course of the weekend."
In total there were more than 80 exhibitor stands, 25 market stallholders, about 100 horses including 45 showjumpers and 30 competitors in the horse carriage driving competition, with many exhibitors reporting good interest and sales of their products.
"I have to thank our volunteers who have worked tirelessly and a few benefactors who put money up to keep the show afloat in these testing times," Mr Wright said.
"And thanks to all the people who attended and gave a donation.
"We'll happily welcome any interested persons on to our committee."
