Or should we say the organisers, contestants, audiences and countless volunteers behind the scenes have done it again?

Because it takes an army of committed individuals to pull off an event such as this.

Last year, the even raised more than $500,000 and this year it raised $409,798.70 for 12 local charities.

It is a staggering figure considering it’s probably how much the community raises in a year outside of Wagga Takes 2 for local charities.

But this sum has come from one event, over three nights.

It makes you wonder about what goes on behind the scenes to produce this kind of dollar amount.

When you see 12 contestants and their partners getting on stage and singing, know that there is more than meets the eye.

The performance comes from months of rehearsals, fundraising, singing and dance lessons and sewing of costumes.

Because Wagga Takes 2 is more than a singing competition, it’s a production.

People work countless hours to ensure the lighting is perfect for each act, the costumes are a high enough quality to avoid wardrobe malfunctions after multiple wears and each contestant has the perfect dance steps to complement their chosen song.

The production itself is enough to praise but even better is that the money stays local.

Wagga or Riverina charities directly benefit from the funds raised.

The social calendar for the year so far has been flooded every weekend with events related to Wagga Takes 2 and it has been phenomenal to see the lengths contestants will go to in the name of charity.

The money is not shipped off to a capital city with Wagga residents never to see a cent of it again.

Part of the most rewarding aspects of Wagga Takes 2 coverage is speaking to the local beneficiaries as to how the money will help them.

The services it will help provide, the expansions planned or equipment to be purchased.

This year’s winner, Sean O’Hara, and his partner raised $118,000 for Legacy.

But honestly, congratulations to all involved. 

It was another successful year and we cannot wait to see what organisers and contestants come up with in 2018.