The Canning Show is set to welcome thousands this weekend, with a special focus on ensuring everyone in the community can take part in the fun.
A brand-new initiative called the Early Openers program will see 1,300 free tickets provided to 30 local community organisations for a private preview of the show before gates open to the general public. The aim is to give people who may find big crowds overwhelming a calmer environment to explore the popular annual event.
Chief Executive Officer of Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and Recreational Society (CAHRS), David Russell, said the initiative had been created to ensure true community access and inclusion.
“The Early Openers program is a brand-new initiative this year to ensure true community access and inclusion,” he said.
“We have allocated 1,300 free tickets to 30 of our local community organisations to who are distributing the tickets directly to their members. Ticket holders will experience a private, two-hour preview of the Show before the general public is admitted.
“This special time provides a much calmer environment where attendees can fully enjoy key features like our dedicated Sensory Space, the all-abilities Wheelchair Football where everyone can actually play, ensuring the joy of the Canning Show is accessible to everyone.”
The early access tickets are not available for public purchase or registration and have already been allocated.
Mr Russell said the response to the initiative had been incredibly positive.
“We view this year as a highly successful inaugural launch, and we are committed to expanding the program next year,” he said.
Good Sammy Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Kane Blackman said their staff were looking forward to taking part.
“The event’s focus on disability access and inclusion will help create a welcoming and supportive environment for people with disability,” he said.
A dedicated Sensory Space will also be open across the weekend. Provided by WA All Abilities Football, the space is designed for people who may find the show’s sights and sounds a bit too much.
It includes calming lights, a dark room, interactive displays and projections, offering a comfortable low-stimulation break area for people of all ages.
The show’s focus on inclusion reflects its mission as a community-driven event.
“True community service means removing barriers so all residents can share in the joy and cultural experience of the Show,” Mr Russell said.
Mr Russel said staff and volunteers supporting the Early Openers session have been prepared to help with navigation to accessible facilities. CAHRS plans to expand accessibility training as the program grows.
Sustainability is also in the spotlight, with a major partnership between CAHRS and Good Sammy Enterprises fuelling a large scavenger hunt across the showgrounds. Around 4,000 refurbished plush toys have been provided for prizes and play areas.
Each toy has been cleaned and checked to ensure it’s in great condition and ready for a new home. Mr Blackman said the scavenger hunt carries an important lesson.
“For every 100 soft toys sold through Good Sammy, we prevent at least 3 tonnes of carbon emissions that would otherwise be generated by producing new toys,” he said.
Volunteers continue to play a vital role in making the Canning Show happen every year. CAHRS President Maxine Wylie said their dedication cannot be overlooked.
“CAHRS has a large group of diligent members and many magical volunteers who offer their time and expertise to ensure success is at the forefront of show activations,” she said.
The Early Openers session runs tomorrow, Friday from 2pm to 5pm, before general entry begins from 5pm to 10pm. Gates open from 10am to 10pm on Saturday. The Sensory Space is open from 3pm to 7pm on Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday.
The Canning Show runs Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.
