But the society believes the show must go on.

Fundraising has continued throughout this year to help with ongoing costs associated with the Launceston Show’s one-day format for the Show Day public holiday on Thursday, October 11.

The traditional Launceston Show attractions will be back, with most animal judging happening on Show Day, but others, like the equestrian events, continuing into Friday and maybe Saturday, society president Jock Gibson said.

“We’re still working out some of the details, but the response to entries has been good and inquiries are still coming in about judging,” he said.

“Entries are going to be similar to last year.”

Those who are more attracted to the show’s colour and food have plenty of options.

“Sideshow alley, rides, entertainers and wood chopping will all be there and we’re going into the evening,” Mr Gibson said.

After looking to City of Launceston for more financial support and running a campaign via National Trust to save its “heritage” value, the society board decided a one-day event was the best solution.

The Launceston Show has been running for 144 years, but crowd numbers have diminished in recent years with ticket sales dropping since 2012.

A report prepared for the Royal National Agricultural & Pastoral Society of Tasmania and City of Launceston Council by Makris Skringar & Associates found Chickenfeed’s collapse in 2012 stripped one-third of ticket sales from pre-event earnings.

Similarly, Devonport Show was cancelled in 2017 for financial reasons, with the one-day FarmFest to be held on November 30 instead.

However, FarmFest has also been cancelled because of low volunteer support, the Devonport Agricultural & Pastoral Society executive said.

“While DAPS had been offered very generous sponsorship for FarmFest, the main reasons for the decision comes down to the small number of volunteers who have expressed interest in assisting with the organising and running of the one-day event planned to replace the annual show.”