The Dapto show society has made the “devastating” decision to cancel its 160th show scheduled for this weekend due to issues with the “high risk” entertainment scheduled for the milestone event.
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Secretary manager of Dapto Agricultural and Horticultural Society Katrina Novak said all tickets would be refunded.
Monster Truck Promotions Australia and KCS Fireworks Displays has confirmed to the Illawarra Mercury they were to provide such entertainment as a monster trucks, demolition derby, jet cars, a “human inferno” stunt, FMX motorcycle jumps plus fireworks and laser light show.
Company owner Clive Featherby – who’s been presenting monster trucks for 25 years – said all safety issues raised by the show society had been addressed 10 days ago, while all the equipment was in Dapto and Sydney last week ready for the event.
However Ms Novak told the Mercury: “We had to make sure we were comfortable as a show society that he was taking the appropriate measures to make sure it was going to be a safe show and he had the appropriate insurances in place, and we weren’t satisfied.”
She said it wasn’t as simple as pulling one attraction from the event as one company had been contracted to do all of the live entertainment and fireworks so they didn’t want to disappoint patrons.
“The Dapto show society is committed to a quality and safe show, therefore had to make the tough decision to postpone the event,” Ms Novak said.
“It is absolutely devastating and we wanted this show to be really big.”
The society hopes the show will be rescheduled to later this year but due to other events at the grounds and approval needed from Agricultural Societies Council Ms Novak said it may need to be pushed until 2018.
I’m disappointed for everyone involved because obviously it’s not a decision taken lightly and a lot of time and effort goes into it.
- Ian Fitzgerald
Dapto Chamber of Commerce president Ian Fitzgerald said while the chamber was not involved with the organisation of the show, it was still disappointing for suburb.
“Disappointed we won’t have the people in town … and it’s such an icon in the community,” Mr Fitgerald said.
“But I’m disappointed for everyone involved because obviously it’s not a decision taken lightly and a lot of time and effort goes into it.”
Ms Novak assured all pre-purchased ticket holders would be refunded by Wollongong Tickets and will be offered a discounted rate when a new date is announced.