A cloth and straw effigy has been put on display at Kew Corner Store throughout October as part of a Agricultural Societies Council of NSW campaign 'No Show Scarecrow' honouring the unfortunate cancellation of many rural shows this year.

Camden Haven Show Society made their straw symbol of the show spirit commemorating what would have been the 72^nd year of the event since it began in 1949.

Camden Haven Show Society president Sean Gleeson said COVID-19 cancellations of key events on the social calendar have disappointed organisers, exhibitors, and attendees across NSW.

"The Camden Haven Show is so much more than an event; it's a community of volunteers, sponsors, competitors, and locals who love attending every year. We'll be back with the real show in the future, but in the meantime, we'll make do with our No-Show Scarecrow," Mr Gleeson said.

"Individually we are just a show but as a whole we are the show movement which has been a part of Australian life for well over a century."

Agricultural shows in Australia attract around six million visitors annually and the volunteer hours required to run the 660 shows makes the show movement the largest volunteer network in the country," said Mr Gleeson.

The Camden Haven Show showground has also been used as a bushfire refuge and is home to five user groups.

Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.