The "small community with a big heart" of Myrtleford is putting on a big weekend of horse riding and live entertainment in honour of mother-of-four Ora Holt, who died two years ago in tragic circumstances.
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Ms Holt was shot by her husband at their Wangaratta home in a murder-suicide on Anzac Day 2017.
She had been a passionate horse rider, and the Australian Trial Horse Riding Association has been running fundraising events for her children since her death, but this might be the biggest one yet.
The "ride for Ora" will run for ATHRA members over two days on Saturday and Sunday, but they will be joined by the public on Saturday night for a big event at the Myrtleford Showgrounds.
Entertainer and former Myrtleford girl Sharyn Bilston has been asked to come back to her home town to host and perform.
She said part of the event will be a community-wide stand against domestic violence, which can sadly end up in the tragic deaths of women at the hands of their partners.
"We're raising awareness, we're banding together and I think that's what it's all about - small communities with big hearts," Ms Bilston said.
"We're really, really hoping that we can get 500 people and up.
"We need the numbers to come in Ora's honour, people are still really affected by this and still trying to deal with it all.
"It will be an emotional weekend, but we really need to help those kids."
We need the numbers to come in Ora's honour, people are still really affected by this.
- Sharyn Bilston
Ms Holt's four orphaned children are being raised by their grandparents.
It will be the first time Ms Bilston has performed in Myrtleford since she was a teenager and will return with her husband in the band and daughter Olivia, also a singer, up on stage with her.
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The event is $10 entry or $20 for families and raffles, food and drinks will be available for purchase on the night.
Gates open at 5pm with entertainment to start at 7pm, with tickets available at the gate.
If it rains the entertainment will still be held in the pavilion.
Other performers include country singer Darren Colston, Jedd Gabriel and the Hume Dance School.
Ms Bilston said there will be emotional moments, with a vigil and special song for Ms Holt, but it was important to recognise and talk about domestic violence.
"This is the kind of thing we need to do to really avoid any of that happening, it's not fair on the ones left behind," she said.
"It's a very, very important cause. We stand together and rally and I think it will be a really good way to celebrate Ora's life."
