After what will be a four year absence, the Leeton SunRice Festival will be returning in Easter 2022 to brighten up the lives of the community.
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The festival was last held in 2018 after the 2020 event was cancelled last minute due to ongoing coronavirus concerns.
A highlight on the community calender, the festival will be going ahead albeit a little differently from what residents have seen traditionally.
Festival Director Julie Axtill told The Irrigator that whilst most of the planned festival activities will go ahead, there will be alterations, with final decisions yet to be made.
"We are still making decisions regarding the parade and our activities at Mountford Park on the Saturday," Mrs Axtill said.
"The committee will just have to wait until we are closer to the date to see what the covid guidelines will be at the time and what we are able to do."
Leetons longest lunch is the biggest change of all and will still be held on Easter Sunday but with a twist.
"Instead this year we will hold a picnic where members of the community can picnic together and enjoy food from local businesses and live music with their friends and family," Mrs Axtill said.
"We are hoping that whilst different, this event will appeal to those who have previously enjoyed the traditional sit down lunch."
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The weekend is traditionally held biennially, and is chance for the community to celebrate the year's rice harvest and the community of Leeton.
Discussions surrounding the street parade and the festival are still happening but time will only tell if they are able to go ahead in full capacity.
"Whilst we are holding out for the possibility of running a full schedule of events, we will tailor all activities to fit any COVID-19 guidelines that may exist at the time."
The Ambassador Quest for the festival is also set to open up for entries early December.
Previously, Mrs Axtill told The Irrigator that she had hopes to do something special for the entrants and winners from the 2020 event in the 2022 event in light of them having to do a virtual crowning instead of the usual ceremony.
"A good ambassador is someone who is community minded, willing to put themselves out there, someone who is interested in the town and the rice industry," Mrs Axtill said.
"We welcome all entrants male or female to take part as long as they live locally and have a vested interest in the community."
Anyone interested in volunteering their time with the organising committee is welcome to attend planning meetings, held on the third Thursday of each month at QPL in Leeton from 7pm.
Those interested in being part of the Ambassador Quest should also get in touch with Mrs Axtill.
"It is very exciting to finally be able to have this big event in town after so long," Mrs Axtill said.
The current plan for the weekend is as follows:
- April 14th: Opening cocktail party
- April 15th: Parade and Festival on Mountford Parade (TBC early 2022)
- April 16th: Leeton's Biggest Picnic (details to follow) & Balloon Glow
To stay up to date with all that is happening with the Leeton SunRice Festival, please visit the event Facebook page.
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