In a major break from tradition, the Barcaldine Show will this year be held in June instead of the second weekend in May.
The show, usually the third in the central west circuit after Tambo and Blackall, and before Longreach, Isisford, Winton and Muttaburra, has been struggling to attract local attendees.
This was particularly exacerbated when Labour Day celebrations in the town on the first weekend in May were enhanced by the addition of the Tree of Knowledge Festival.
Barcaldine Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Society president Ben Chandler said the new June 20 date, clashing only with the Mount Isa show, was chosen to get away from a very busy sporting and social schedule in western Queensland in April and May.
"It's had a massive impact on us, something had to change," he said.
By going further into winter, Mr Chandler said it would allow everyone to get their breath back and put some money in the bank.
The society is aware that securing livestock at that time, amid weaning husbandry programs, could be difficult, but is preparing for less prime cattle by diversifying into weaner-oriented exhibitions.
"We will probably focus on short wool sheep and lambs, and target an increased wool display too," said Mr Chandler.
He's busy greening up his fingers and preparing his vegetable plot with the news that a local business owner has donated $1000 prizemoney to the fruit and vege section of the show this year, with the aim of encouraging families and children back into growing food.
"For that money, we should all be planting a zucchini and a pumpkin," Mr Chandler said. "A June show accommodates this competition more readily."
As for sideshows, which generally follow a circuit, Mr Chandler said they would have to think outside the square for that style of entertainment.
"We know it will be cold so hopefully people will all want to rug up and drink rum," he joked.
Barcaldine has already broken with tradition this year with the decision to allow married women to enter its Miss Showgirl competition, the first time it's been run by the show society in at least 15 years.