The local committee was a top four finalist in the 2020 Agricultural Society of NSW Resilience Award, which was eventually won by Woodstock Memorial Show Inc.
The other finalists were Goulburn Show and Armidale & New England Show Society, with the top four selected from 10 nominations.
Finley Show Society secretary Carol Kennedy said while the committee considers itself resilient in all years, 2020 threw up some very specific issues for the group and all other show committees.
She said the committee’s drive to rise to the challenge led to its top four finish.
‘‘We soldiered on and did something different,’’ Mrs Kennedy said.
‘‘We continued to hold monthly meetings during the pandemic, via Zoom when face-to-face was not permitted.
‘‘While the annual poultry auction in March and Sheep Dog Trials in June were cancelled, the committee continued with plans for the annual show in September.
‘‘As the time approached and it appeared that restrictions would prevent a regular show being held, a pavilion only show was considered. Eventually it was decided to run a virtual show consisting of scaled back pavilion entries and sheep and cattle judging.’’
Mrs Kennedy said the idea for the virtual show came from committee members who had participated in virtual shows held by other societies earlier in the year.
‘‘The younger members with greater computer skills worked together to make this possible,’’ she said.
‘‘The virtual show attracted almost 500 entries and was welcomed by the community, and the Finely Show Society committee proved that anything is possible.’’
Mrs Kennedy said while the non-traditional virtual show was thrust upon the committee, its success proved the format could be used again in the future as required.
‘‘This year we are planning to get back to a full-scale, physical show.
‘‘But we know that we can go virtual again if something changes drastically between now and Father’s Day.’’
As a finalist in the resilience award, the Finley Show Society was awarded a $500 cash prize, which will contribute to the running of this year’s show.
The finalists and eventual prize winner were announced at the Agricultural Society of NSW state conference on Saturday.
Members could participate in the event in one of two ways — at home via Zoom, or via Zoom from regional conference hubs.
Finley Show Society members travelled to the Narrandera virtual hub to be involved.
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