Agfest organisers are excited for the return of Tasmania's biggest agricultural show despite no signs of a patron-limit increase.
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Members of the public have expressed their annoyance at the cap of 10,000 tickets when events in other states have been able to attract seven times that amount.
Agfest, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday at Quercus Park, Carrick, has been working closely with the state government to facilitate a late increase in tickets for the event but confirmed it seemed unlikely to occur. People wanting to attend the festival can also access Agfest in the cloud from May 8-15.
In a statement, Agfest confirmed they remained open to an increase in tickets and had the systems available to facilitate an increase.
"At this late stage, we believe it is unlikely that the Director of Public Health will change the number. However, we remain open to discuss any level of increase to maximise sales opportunities for our highly-valued exhibitors," the statement read.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"For those that missed out on tickets this year, we remind them that they can still access endless fabulous products, services and deals from Agfest exhibitors when the event moves into the cloud."
One of the attractions for attendees will be the largest showcase of boats and marine products along Seventh Avenue. Ian Ross, from Marine And Safety Tasmania, will be there as part of an effort to raise awareness about second-hand boats being seaworthy.
"[This] is the biggest Tasmania boat show that you will get, it's right here at Agfest," he said.
"Our theme is about second-hand boats and people being very careful about what they are buying, just because it looks shiny and new doesn't mean the condition of it is any good."
Mr Ross was excited to have Agfest return after it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic last year.
"It's great after a year off last year to get everybody back together," he said.
Agfest organisers reminded attendees that are physically attending the festival that it is a COVID compliant event with rules in place.
"We will have COVID Safe Agents on the ground making sure people are socially distanced, regularly washing and sanitising their hands, greeting with elbow bumps instead of handshakes and kisses, and covering coughs and sneezes using the inside of their elbow," a statement said.
"Agfest also asks any person feeling unwell or waiting for the results of a COVID test to remain at home.
"Agfest sincerely thanks all Rural Youth volunteers, exhibitors, contractors, sponsors and the Tasmanian government for their huge levels of support to bring Agfest back to the paddock."