Some of Wagga's favourite events are slated to return this year, with organisers tentatively gearing up for a semblance of normality.
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It's been a tough 18 months for the industry as ever-changing rules and coronavirus outbreaks have forced organisers to cancel events last minute.
Spring usually heralds the start of Wagga's busiest social season with highly-anticipated festivals and racedays bringing crowds out on weekends.
Phil McIntosh, one of the organisers for the annual Gears and Beers, said, for now, the 2021 event will still go ahead, but it is subject to NSW Government regulations and the COVID situation.
"We can't do anything other than continue to plan," he said.
"We are hoping we don't have to cancel it at the last minute again.
"I think because it is an established event and people know what they are going to experience, I think the response to our event will be positive."
Mr McIntosh said the festival is already an outdoor, ticketed event, which makes it easier, but they still need to make sure it is COVID-safe.
He said Gears and Beers brings a lot of revenue into the city and raises a lot of money for local charities.
"How great would it be to have a beautiful long weekend with Gears and Beers," he said. "The most important thing, though is to make sure everyone is safe."
Two other popular events slated for return are Spring Jam, on September 25, and Fusion Festival, on October 16.
A Wagga City Council spokesperson said the events are planned to be delivered in line with NSW Government's COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
"Further details for both events, including programming, will be released once event planning and promotions are finalised," they said.
"Council addresses the challenges associated with delivering events in the current COVID-19 environment by implementing COVID 19-safe measures and monitoring the latest NSW Government COVID 19-safe advice and actioning this accordingly, to ensure the health and safety of all community members."
The Picnic Races will also be returning, and the president of the organising committee, Emma Dunbar, said it's "full steam ahead".
"We are planning it as if it is a normal raceday, so it's going to be that family, fun raceday that people love," she said.
However, Cork and Fork will not be returning, at least not for now.
Tim McMullen from Borambola Wines said the last food and wine fest was held in the spring before the pandemic hit.
"We want to make sure we can do it the right way," he said.
"Overall, the event calendar is looking fairly bare. I think organisers are nervous to push ahead.
"People are trying to do it, but unless there is some sort of certainty, it makes it hard."
Mr McMullen said Wagga residents are amazing and supportive and hoped they would prove it at any events that go ahead this year.
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