Community & Business
23 August, 2021
Covid Uncertainty Claims Iconic Auction
The Allora Show Society took a significant step away from tradition at the General Meeting when they cancelled the 2021 Allora Annual Auction.
The auction acclaimed across south east Queensland and the Darling Downs boasts decades of history and had been postponed from its usual early June weekend until the coming October long weekend.
While many that are enthralled by the auctioneers call and the yearn for a bargain will feel disappointed, the Show Society committee are making decisions looking to cope with the ongoing and ever changing Covid-19 conditions, and what seems a decline in the popularity of auctions as they have presented over many years.
In recent times the Showgrounds have also seen construction taking place which provides concerns for patron safety for any event until completion.
The Annual Allora Auction in past years boasted massive proportions considering its small host centre, with lots from false teeth to heavy machinery going under the auctioneer’s hammer. However, the auction has al-ways depended on travel for many to attend.
Covid-19 issues have curbed that inclination for many, and the future is an un-known. Online oppor-tunities for bargain hunters continue to increase, with bids on the likes of ebay, gumtree etc, and the bargain sites associated with social media are also taking their toll on the likes of Showgrounds wide open auctions such as the Allora renowned event.
Interested locals have suggested a change of focus to rejig a similar Allora event into the future as a weekend swap meet that may include a smaller version auction along with various community entertainment.
Our community’s future has certainly altered in the past 18 months, but we have the opportunity to adjust and still enjoy signifi cant events and all our Showgrounds can offer.
The Show Committee are certainly not diminishing usual activities or famed events, but we are looking at revamping were necessary so as to meet community needs and wants and the health and safety requirements that have arisen.
The Show Committee are looking forward to discussing the matter with the community so as to create other events the Allora Region can be proud of. ‘The Allora Show Society – Working for the Allora District Community’ - Glyn Rees
