The transformation of Lake Albert for the second annual Skyworks is underway as Wagga and its residents gear up to usher in 2019.
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Organisers said they expect a strong turnout on Monday despite the high weather temperatures and environmental issues within the lake.
Event committee member Chris Moane said there will be facilities to help event goers keep cool to enjoy the show.
“One of the big improvements this year is with the kids entertainment – we’re going to have a wet park, so bring your kids’ swimmers and they’ll be able to get under water and keep cool,” Mr Moane said.
“There’ll also be a couple of cooling-off stations, but of course, residents should also follow the old slip-slop-slap rule.
“It’s going to be hot, so be prepared for it.”
Emergency services, including St John Ambulance and the SES, will also attend to provide first-aid if needed.
“They’ll be spread out among the crowds so if anyone’s starting to feel some heat exhaustion, go to the first-aid tents and get some attention,” Mr Moane said.
Asked about event planning around the blue-green algae and bacteria in the lake, Mr Moane said “Lake Albert is closed, so there’ll be no swimming, no boating, no skiing”.
“The message is to stay out of the lake,” he said.
Major changes this year include better traffic-management plans, more restrooms and better allocation of food vendors.
“We’ll have police on duty this year and they’ll be controlling traffic,” Mr Moane said.
Starting at 4.30pm, there will be live entertainment and food vendors to entertain event goers before the first fireworks display at 9.30pm.
DJ Liquorish will continue the party with top tunes until the midnight fireworks to welcome the new year.
Fellow committee member Jamie Way said the event was “on track to be as big if not bigger than last year”.
“We've completely redesigned the way we approach the event based on feedback,” he said.
“Eastlake Drive will be one way to avoid bottlenecks and the number of toilets have at least quadruple.
“There’ll also be lighting all along the eastern foreshore for food vendors.”
All proceeds from the event will again go to Wagga charity Country Hope.
“We encourage people to remember that while we are there to have great time and to see out 2018, we're also there to raise money for an excellent charity,” Mr Way said.
“During the festive season, some families might be doing tougher than others, so to have a locally funded charity like Country Hope is more important than ever.”
Anyone interested in donating to Country Hope before the event may do so at its GoFundMe campaign.
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