If ever there was a time for the whole Bega Valley to get together, this is surely it.
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With widespread destruction, grief and anxiety due to the bushfires, community groups across the region have had to rethink their events, many understandably cancelling.
The annual Bega Show is not immune, with numerous committee members, exhibitors and regular supporters caught up in the horrific fires of this summer.
With that in mind, the decision to go ahead with an event has been made, but in a significantly modified format - in essence a weekend of family entertainment to help the entire community gather, share with and support each other, relax, and look to the future.
Rather than the "show", the Bega Show's Community Regeneration Event is a massive program of free activities for the whole family.
That includes free entry over the two full days of entertainment and the entire Bega Valley community and beyond invited to head along.
Donations to offset the society's costs in putting on the event will be graciously accepted, but there's certainly no obligation to, as the committee hopes the state and federal government will also be assisting in that respect.
The event will be held over the Saturday and Sunday of the originally scheduled show, February 15-16 (there will be no events or judging on the Friday this year).
There will be no horse events and very little in the way of competitive "show" events (the already-published schedules are no longer relevant).
However, children can get excited and enticed by acrobats and magic shows, which will have workshop components to them so you can learn the skills yourself.
There will also be plenty of hands-on IT displays and gaming - both computer and table-top versions.
The pavilion will be understandably reduced in scope this year, but will still include art activities and art/photo displays, a range of craft displays as well as demo stations and the always-excellent SCPA presentations.
The Showman's Guild was quick to express support for the Far South Coast, confirming it will be bringing Sideshow Alley for the fans. It's understood they plan to offer packages of rides to those who have lost everything in the fires.
On the arena, racing lawnmowers and tractor pull events are sure to draw crowds - and the traditional demolition derby to close out the weekend is still on so get your entries organised now.
Top local musicians headed up by Corey Legge, Felicity Dowd and Golden Guitar winner Christie Lamb will you entertained, as will stand-up comedian Gary Eck.
Members of the Bega Valley Food Van Collective will offer wonderfully tasty meal options.
Also to tempt your tastebuds, get set for the return of the BBQ Battle which had such a positive debut in 2019.
In a worthy nod to the incredible efforts of emergency responders and community organisations throughout this bushfire crisis, a special acknowledgement ceremony will take place on the Saturday afternoon to thank and celebrate all those working to keep us safe.
For more details or to check for any changes to the schedule, visit the Bega Show website, https://begashow.org.au, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thebegashow.
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.