The Crossing October 21 2020

FAMILY FUN FAIR TO PUT
SMILES BACK ON FACES
ZOE BELL
zoe@thechinwag.com.au
Out of work for seven months,
wondering where their next
meal is going to come from and
wondering if they will ever be able
to return to what they love doing,
the impacts of the coronavirus
have been extremely devastating
for the showman.
Usually moving around visiting towns,
making friends and producing happiness
all over the country, the pandemic has not
only impacted them financially but for the
showman it has taken it's toll mentally as well.
Then for people of our community, after
significant events such as shows were
cancelled and people were forced to stay
inside, residents too are feeling the financial
and emotional devastation of the tough
times.
However, now is the time to celebrate
because Norah from Australian Amusement
Organization understood this and has
organised a Family Fun Fair to come to town.
"We have gone and organised it ourselves
because it's the only thing that's going to
save us now," she said.
"Also, to be able to wake up last week and
know I can afford to pay the registration on
my truck is a massive relief because it wasn't
going to happen if I didn't have these fairs.
"We are also aware of the effect the drought
and pandemic have on country communities,
and when we do shows, we can see the
financial and emotional devastation
when things are tough, and it's
awful.
"So for us to be able to go out start
working, put the smiles on peoples
faces and for those communities to
walk out with a smile on their faces,
it must be doing them a world of
good to have some normality back
and fun.
"It works both ways."
The Family Fun Fair will be
happening at the Chinchilla
Showgrounds on October 22 from
5pm to 9pm, October 23 from 4pm
to 9pm and October 24 from 10am
to 9pm.
With the traditional shows
cancelled, it's the perfect way for
residents to still get there show fix
and experience the aspects they
know and love.
"We've got showbags, Dagwood
dogs, dodgem cars, other rides and
the games," Norah said.
"We have put together a pretty
good line up which is sure to make
people happy.
"It's a family event, so there is
something for everyone, and with a
$2 entry fee, it's only the price of half a cup
of coffee.
"Anyone under five is free, though."
Like any other event that is run in the modernday,
Norah has worked closely with both the
Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC)
and Queensland Health to develop a COVID
safe plan to ensure the safety of both patrons
and staff.
Everyone will be required to sign in at the
event at entry, there will be sperate entry
and exit points, numbers are capped, hand
sanitiser will available, and social distancing
must be adhered to.
"If they are a family group or a group of
friends that come in together, they can move
around together," Norah explained.
Although things have been a bit of a
challenge with the team having to bend over
backwards with the restrictions, they have
been successful.
Also, despite taking a significant risk to come
out to the country towns and operate at half
capacity, Norah said if they didn't do it, they
would die.
"Our money is depending on these carnivals,
and we are hoping people support us," she
said.
"We've taken a huge risk at a huge expense,
and we would appreciate anyone who comes
through the gate."
Despite the rules and regulations, Norah said
that she has received tremendous support
from both the council and Queensland Health
and hopes their event will inspire others to
host COVID safe events as well and get the
community back together.
"Queensland Health is encouraging people
to give them a call and get their events
together," she said.
"The Western Downs Regional Council have
also been brilliant and want to help the
community to get their events happening
and not fear all the regulations.
"It's a lot of extra jobs, but once you have
them in place, it's manageable.
"If we can get the public to do the right thing,
it helps us present a COVID safe event which
is encouraging to other local groups to go
ahead with what they do.
"In saying that we invite any organisation to
come down and have a look at what we are
doing.
"I'm happy to explain things and discuss
them because I think seeing how it's working
makes life a little bit easier and it's important
that our communities start to interact again."
The Family Fun Fair has already been to Dalby
and Kingaroy and will head to Nanango after
Chinchilla with the previous ones already a
great success.
"I'm a whole lot happier," Norah said.
"One night at Kingaroy, we had kids walking
out with showbags bigger than themselves,
fairy floss in hand and smiles on their faces.
"I was so happy I could cry."
So, make sure you don't miss out on all the
fun and head to the showgrounds for a good
time and to show your support.
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