There are no shows this year, but a group of ride and amusement operators are bringing a carnival to town.
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Gage Stewart says he and his team have worked with NSW Health to organise the Spring Family Carnival, which is to be held at the Forbes Showground, in a COVID-safe way.
Forbes, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, is the first of what they hope will be a series of events around communities that haven't been able to have their annual show this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Stewart said NSW Health has given the organisers "pretty strict guidelines" to operate, similar to those in place for shopping centres.
He said the carnival would be open from 9am to 5pm and he hoped attendance would naturally spread through the day rather than have "peak hours".
He's anticipating it's something people will visit for an hour or two rather than spend all day at as they would the show.
Staff will be on the gate monitoring numbers, patrons will be asked to scan in via QR code if they have a smartphone or register manually if they don't.
There'll be hand sanitiser stations and rides will be wiped down after every use.
The organisers are happy to do whatever it takes, it's an opportunity for them to work for the first time in six months.
Mr Stewart attended Red Bend Catholic College, so for him Forbes is a good place to start.
"We're hoping we can bring a bit of fun and joy to the town," he said.
Mr Stewart explained that there will be just one entry and one exit point - although there's not actually a gate charge - to ensure visitor numbers are controlled and one place to buy tickets or tokens to then use on rides.
Sideshow alley attractions including showbags and food are also part of the event.
Set up at Forbes Showground is under way, with everything planned to allow for social distancing.
They, like other event organisers, ask that everyone abide by the conditions placed on the event.
"Our first and foremost priority is the safety of everyone," they explain on their Facebook page.
Don't attend if you're unwell, they advise, allow 1.5m distance between people and practice good hand hygiene including regular washing or sanitising.
The carnivals were to have launched at Young last weekend, but Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram made the call to cancel the plans, the Young Witness reported.
The Bathurst Fun Fair opened successfully on the weekend.
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