Riverina residents will need to wait another year for their chance at outback romance, as The Rock B&S Ball cancels its 2020 event in light of coronavirus restrictions.
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For months organisers had clung onto hope that this year's event could go ahead in November, however founder Ashleigh Craig said the rapidly worsening situation in Victoria had dashed those hopes.
"Most of our patrons are from Victoria. We're right near the border, so a lot of people come up just for the B&S," Ms Craig said.
"Most people were very sad and upset it would not be going ahead, but with the world how it is today it would be irresponsible to hold one."
Ms Craig said the B&S ball had become a major event for the small community, with last year's event attracting around 700 party-goers from around the region.
The ball was first launched in 2017, and Ms Craig said she knew many participants who had gone to all three and had formed some fast friendships and even a fair few relationships along the way.
Ms Craig those people would have to wait until 2021 to meet up again, however she said the organisers were already planning to make up for lost time.
"We've spoken to our bands and they're happy to come next year, so everything will roll over to 2021," Ms Craig said.
In the meantime she hinted that there would be "something in the making" for The Rock residents, with an announcement due for the coming weeks.
Several other Riverina B&S Balls earlier in the year were also cancelled, including the Cootamundra Ball due to be held in March at the height of lockdown.
Ariah Park and Jerilderie have both had their balls cancelled due to social distancing restrictions and the risks posed by coronavirus.