Tickets sold out quickly for the scaled-down scaled-down return of its Holstein Canada’s National Red-and-White and Black-and-White shows, but the organization has pledged to provide a “top-quality livestream” for those not quick enough to secure in-person tickets.
The events, traditionally held in Toronto during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, were relocated to Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec after the annual November showcase was cancelled for the second straight year due to COVID-19.
The Red-and-White cow and Black-and-White heifer classes are set for Friday, Nov. 19, followed by Black-and-White heifer and Red-and-White cow classes the following day. Also scheduled to occur concurrently during the event are gala celebrations honouring recipients of Holstein Canada’s 2019 and 2020 Master Breeder shields.
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Keeping in mind the potential for continued pandemic-related restrictions and given the restrictions of the city’s Centre BMO venue, organizers decided not to host National Shows for other breeds, as is traditionally done during the Royal. They also limited in-person ticket sales through Eventbrite to 500. Those tickets sold out quickly.
“With your animal entries, you will have a limited number of exhibitor wristbands,” Holstein Canada advised in a recent message to those registered to show cattle. The wristbands “will give you access to the BMO Centre marshalling area and show ring (but) without wristbands or spectator tickets, access to the BMO Centre will not be possible.”
Walk-in spectators won’t be allowed.
The organization promises, however, to make the online version of attending the National Shows as near as possible to being there in person.
Organizers told Farmtario that “significant time and investment” went into preparing for online spectators – with tickets ($10 plus tax) also available through Eventbrite. “The emphasis on the unique experience of a quality livestream has been a priority from the start,” the organization said in its message to registrants. “It will be much more than a live show broadcast, but a commented livestream by Holstein enthusiasts enhanced with information and many interactions.”
