Country shows - often the annual social highlight in regional towns - will return to NSW next year after being cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
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Deputy Premier John Barilaro said regional communities and show committees could start planning for next year after the NSW government gave the green light for country shows to resume.
Work was underway to ensure COVID-safe measures were in place to allow up to 5000 people at any given time to attend shows, starting with Bowral, which is scheduled to kick off on January 9.
Mr Barilaro said country shows played a vital role in promoting agriculture and injecting money into local economies and the NSW government had committed more than $35 million for showground upgrades.
"Country shows are a highlight of the regional events calendar, boost business and are an opportunity for farmers to showcase their produce and livestock," he said on Thursday.
"I encourage everyone from the city to get out there and immerse yourself in a country show and get a valuable insight into life in the bush."
Safety measures would include social distancing, entry controls to minimise crowding, a limit to the number of attendees and one person per four square metres.
Organisers are encouraged to use the Service NSW COVID Safe QR codes.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said getting country shows back would be a massive boost to morale in the bush.
"Shows bring together all the best things about regional communities - and after a tough year dealing with the impacts of bushfires, drought and COVID-19, bringing communities together has never been more important," Mr Toole said.
The NSW government was working with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to explore options for the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Australian Associated Press
