We all have childhood memories of hot and dusty showgrounds, the merry go-round, ferris wheel, fairy floss, showbags, dagwood dogs, sunburn, win-a-prize games in sideshow ally and the iconic, heart-stopping joyrides.

Since the event was moved from the Elphin Showgrounds to Inveresk it seems to have lost its soul. There's now talk of moving it to the Newnham site of the University of Tasmania if the campus is moved to Inveresk.

The big question surrounding the Launceston event is whether Agfest has eclipsed it as an agricultural expo. No it hasn't.

Agfest is for mum, dad and the kids but it is predominantly a giant farmers' market. Alternatively, the show is for mum, dad and the kids, with an added touch of agriculture. The show is for animals, textiles, joyrides, arts and craft, showbags and good old sideshow ally.

Longford Show thrives and even rivals the Launceston event in show attendances, because it is based at an arena, much like the Royal Hobart Showgrounds and how the Elphin event once was.

Perhaps the Launceston event needs an arena. It has always been tucked away at Inveresk, like a collection of colourful circus-style offerings without a main focus.

Whatever the model that appeals, show day is an event we should nurture. It need not compete with Agfest, nor succumb to it. Given the many variations on the Agfest theme that the show offers, it can be something different.

The Launceston City Council ought to foster a debate about our show and where and how it should be held before falling attendances lead to its decline.

The concept is great. It boils down to how you stage it, the critical pressure on parking, that hinders the Inveresk event, and the variety of attractions.