AUSSIE spirit is alive and well in Waikerie as a local event committee announced that the iconic Australia Day event is going ahead next year.
One of the biggest events on the Waikerie calendar, the Australia Day spectacular, will be going ahead in 2021 over the January long weekend, with the committee planning entertainment around COVID-19 restrictions.
Waikerie Australia Day committee chair Brenton Kay said the event will allow for a maximum of 1000 people, with all tickets pre-bought.
“It’s going to be different to previous years, but we’re still working to make it a great night out,” he said.
“This is going to be a sit-down, supper show; chairs will be provided and each table will seat a maximum of eight people,” he said.
“The Citizen of the Year awards will still run, and the fireworks spectacular will end the night as usual.
“The fireworks in particular will be a special part of the event, as people from all over the town will be able to watch them from the river front or other vantage points. It’s probably the most iconic part of the whole night, so it’s fantastic that this can go ahead.”
The event will miss its usual contingent of food vans, but Mr Kay said food platters will be available for pre-order, and a wine and beer tent will be available to purchase drinks.
“We’re planning to organise for food platters that people will be able to pre-order with their tickets, otherwise it’s bring your own supper,” he said.
“Revenue from the food platters will go towards the service clubs that usually set up tents or vans and provide food throughout the night.
“Drinks will still be fully catered for at the wine and bar tent, and the committee is currently engaging with sponsors, so we don’t have a definite list of what will be available yet, but we’ve had a terrific response so far.
“The rides won’t be available, but we’re looking at what entertainment on top of the music acts we can have.”
The tickets will go on sale in December, and Mr Kay said a first-come, first-serve policy will be in place.
“No one will be able to pre-book a ticket, you’ll just have to get in when you can,” he said.
“The committee is really enthusiastic to have this event go ahead after a long year of so many other cancellations, but there is going to be a capacity limit, which we ask people to respect.”