Devon County Show 2001 will go ahead despite the foot and mouth crisis — but minus most of the livestock classes.
Devon County Agricultural Association has endorsed a recommendation from the show committee to cancel competitive classes for cattle, sheep, pigs and goats for the first time in its 106-year history.
But classes for donkey, horse and pony showing, show jumping, poultry, pigeons, rabbits, cavies and dogs will still go ahead.
Ollie Allen, secretary of the show, said: 'The show is a centre of excellence for rural life.
'We are using our considerable expertise and resources to do all we can to back Devon and the many, many businesses affected by foot and mouth.'
She said it was 'very sad' that livestock classes would be missing from the annual show, which will now take place on August 9, 10 and 11 instead of the usual May fixture.
'We are trying to look forward and put together a wonderful day to advertise and attract the rural and urban communities and also holiday makers,' said Ollie.
'We want to help boost tourism by giving visitors an important new reasons to come to the area, as well as to emphasise the very many great things about rural life and the countryside.'
The three-day event will include Roman chariot racing, motorbike stunts, axe racing, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting and a host of trade stands, craft, flower and food shows.