It’s showtime at last — Albany Agricultural Society gears up for three days of fun at spring fair

A scaled down Albany agricultural show will go ahead this weekend, with free entry set to make it easier than ever before to enjoy the action.

In June, the Albany Agricultural Society made the tough decision to cancel this year’s show for only the eighth time in its 129-year history due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead, the Albany Agricultural Society will host the Albany Spring Fair from November 13-15 offering show favourites in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

The fair will also mark the launch of the society’s newest venture, the Albany Central Markets, a fresh food and produce hub set to run every weekend in the Western Pavilions.

AAS president Rob Wright said the Spring Fair would bring together a “massive” amount of rides, games, exhibits, displays, equestrian events, entertainment and food.

He said the team expected more than 15,000 people to come through the gates during the three days.

“I am really proud to say that we will get this event off the ground,” he said.

“By opening the grounds and not having admission fees we are making it so the people can come and go if they want to.

“The idea is to create a really nice weekend and have a whole lot of activities to get people down here to enjoy and have a look at where the markets are going to be and see them get off the ground.”

Like many regional agricultural societies, Mr Wright said the pandemic had taken a big financial toll on the AAS.

“COVID-19 has really stressed the society financially and all the volunteers, everyone is under terrible strain to try and keep it all going,” he said.

“But we are feeling confident that we are managing to put on a really good show.”

Pavilions will open from 9am tomorrow and Saturday, with rides running every day until 10pm.

Fireworks will light up the sky at 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

The WA Carriage Driving Championships will also be taking place across the weekend on Railways’ Oval.