The pandemic restrictions have halted the annual Tasmanian Craft Fair in its tracks, forcing the popular fair to move online.
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While over the recent months the fair had been preparing for a physical event adhering to social distancing measures, organisers were advised of the new requirements in recent days and were still waiting for approvals to proceed.
Craft Fair director Rob van der Elst said to delay further could cause the risks to be too large, and could seriously impact both suppliers and exhibitors.
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"We did everything we could but time was just running out and that is causing the risks for everyone to get too big," he said.
Mr van der Elst said they would encourage the community to do their Christmas shopping with locals to support artisans, most of whom are sole traders or who have struggled with family businesses hit hard from the pandemic.
Effective Naturally, a TFC sponsor, will load a virtual page for each of the 260 approved 2020 exhibitors, including those originally approved from the mainland. Shoppers can browse the profiles from October 18 and click through to contact details or their online stores.
This year would have marked their 40th celebration as run by the Rotary Club of Deloraine.
Tickets already purchased online will be refunded automatically over the next 14 days.