No Deni Ute Muster this year will mean millions of dollars lost to the regional economy, according to the area's mayor.
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Norm Brennan, of Edward River Council, said the decision to cancel the 2020 muster, originally planned for October, was unfortunate but appropriate given the COVID-19 restrictions.
"The number of people who come to the ute muster, well over 60 per cent come from Victoria and therefore that in itself is going to be a problem," he said.
"You've got to make a business decision whether it's worthwhile continuing with reduced numbers and at what cost."
Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd general manager Vicky Lowry announced the cancellation Friday morning, adding 2020 tickets would be automatically valid for the 2021 muster.
"After consultation with government and health officials, it is not possible to predict what will happen in the coming months and we must make the health and safety of our patrons and staff our top priority," she said.
Cr Brennan said nearby towns would lose the passing trade and community groups their main fundraising opportunity, for example the tennis club that sold souvlaki.
"They did two and a half thousand souvlakis last year at the ute muster," he said.
"They raised all the money they need for the year in that weekend."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Albury-Wodonga fundraiser Stars of the Border Dance for Cancer has been rescheduled to May 28, 2021.
The Cancer Council NSW event had been postponed originally from May this year until November but western NSW community relations co-ordinator Brianna Carracher said participants supported another change.
"Especially in the current climate right now, we just don't know what November's going to look like still," she said.
"They all feel if we postpone to next year, that's going to be a lot safer and then we can have the event that we promised them."
Ms Carracher said many of the present line-up, which includes The Border Mail journalist Jodie Bruton, intended to dance next May.
"Most have said yes, definitely count me in, keen to go again next year," she said.
"They were expecting (the postponement) and were quite understanding of it and supportive of our decision as well."
Preparations for the Border Relay For Life in November continue, with various plans in place depending on restrictions.
Ms Carracher thanked the community for continuing to support these fundraising ventures.
This week Border theatre group BTYE Sized Productions cancelled its 2020 staging of Aladdin Jr.
Planned for May, the show had been postponed at first to later this year before Wednesday's announcement.
The company said they were "absolutely gutted" by this, but proud of the 50 cast members and thanked them and the whole production team for their dedication.
"We are unlikely to be in a position to stage Aladdin in 2021 but we will wait to see what the new year brings us - hopefully a virus-free world in which we can get together to once more sing, dance and entertain our fabulous audiences," BYTE Sized Productions posted on Facebook.