DON’T get me wrong, I can enjoy the benefits of a good dagwood dog as much as the next person, but I’m unsure that having a gazetted public holiday across the Fraser Coast is such a treat.

In 1875 the Maryborough, Wide Bay and Burnett Pastoral and Agricultural Society held their first annual show with displays of local crafts, produce and livestock, equestrian and woodchopping events, plus a Grand Parade.

Nearly 150 years later, the show continues to be a staple on the radar of many people, if not far less than it was in generations before.

The historic event must remain an integral event on our calendar, but do we really need another public holiday to help celebrate it?

A few weeks ago, I flew a text message around to twenty of my closest friends, many of whom are in business.

I asked a simple question. ‘What are you doing on the show weekend?’

Not a single one said they were actually going to the show.

The most popular response was ‘When is that on?’, closely followed by ‘No, we are heading away for a long weekend’.

I believe it is an absurd proposition to say that the Fraser Coast Show holiday contributes to our local economic activity.

It’s a loss for us and a major win for other economies, as residents leave the region in droves for a long weekend.

Businesses have to endure eleven public holidays during the year; surely this is one we can easily do without.

For those businesses across the Fraser Coast that are opening on the Show Day Holiday, the labour cost goes through the roof.

I spent many years in a rural community when I was growing up, and I understand the history and romance of the local agricultural show.

But I think it’s time we got real with ourselves about how beneficial the Fraser Coast Show holiday is.

I would prosecute the case that it is very much the opposite.

Show is a yes. Holiday is a no.

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