And this week brings us one of the big dividers: Launceston Show Day.

Victoria has just lived through its first AFL grand final eve public holiday.

At first the idea of a public holiday the day before - not even the day of - a major sporting event seemed absurd.

Actually it still does. But moving on.

Since the decision was announced, the lead-up to The Day was littered with pros and cons arguments.

To cover public holiday penalty rates, retailers and hospitality businesses would be charging surcharges, or not opening at all.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimated that the holiday would cost Victorian businesses more than half a billion dollars.

Half. A. Billion. Dollars.

For a public holiday.

The VECCI provided examples of the exorbitant penalty rates that would need to be paid to those employees who still had to work.

As adult casual shop assistant would need to be paid $52.21 an hour, opposed to a standard rate of $23.73.

The statement "Melbourne's CBD will be a ghost town" was prolific, as many businesses stated they just would not be able to open and bear the brunt of such costs.

When the city is meant to come alive with the colour of the grand final street parade, commenters said tourists and footy fans would be left wanting when it came to quenching thirsts and hunger pains.

So what was the wash-up?

The monetary figures haven't been released yet, but first-hand reports sound like the social impacts were extremely positive.

Journalists for The Age spoke to families with young children who were not only able to journey in to watch the parade, they were able to stick around and soak up the atmosphere.

Pardon the cheese but they were able to make memories as a family.

Can you put a price on that?

Leaving corny remarks behind, can we apply the same logic to the Launceston Show public holiday?

For years, the Launceston Show has been the target of attacks.

It's been called too expensive, outdated, and less kindly, a ghost of its former self.

Parents bemoan the fact that a trip to the show sees them shell out hundreds of dollars: $35 for a family entry, then it's money for rides, snacks, sideshow alley, and of course, showbags.

Many parents tell us that they boycott the show, and take the kids out for a picnic, stopping by the toyshop on the way home.

They tell us it's cheaper, and they feel like the kids get more out of it.

Shows around the country have encountered this sort of backlash throughout the past five years.

Many of the smaller Tassie town shows have taken it on board, scrapping clunky rides and sideshow alley, reverting to traditional draws such as agricultural exhibits, animal shows, and value-for-money entertainment.

So if no one is attending the Launceston Show, especially families, do we still need it as a public holiday?

Particularly now that it falls in school holidays.

We've been told we're not allowed any more public holidays added to our calendar year, but we can shuffle them around.

This year should be the decider - if the show pulls a good crowd, let's keep the holiday where it is.

If the numbers are less than desirable, it's time to look for a more deserving recipient.

Agfest, anyone?