Concern over COVID-19 spread and residents in isolation were linked to a downturn in numbers at the Border's biggest New Year's Eve events.
The Albury Harness Racing Club used Humanitix for their event for a second year to reduce the amount of face-to-face transactions.
Between midday and 5pm, there were about 300 cancellations of those tickets.
But the atmosphere was positive and Albury Harness Racing Club president Paul Brown said families were excited to be out.
"I think crowds were down a bit with those cancellations and all this COVID, but there's a tonne of kids here tonight which is really good," he said.
"It's a lot of fun for families and for us it's about creating that family friendly environment."
Attendees checked in with a QR code and then enjoyed eight races, free entertainment and kids' rides, some using Dine and Discover vouchers.
Helen Driver's daughters Cobi and Zali were excited to attend and brought smiles to faces with their colourful clown costumes.
"We don't normally come - we decided to come because nothing fun has happened this year," she said.
Ms Driver said her family had endured a difficult year; another of her daughter's contracted COVID during the Border's outbreak.
"With seven people in the household, it was a bit touch and go for a while, but everyone else managed to miss it," she said.
"I work in preschool, so it was really difficult knowing what was going on.
"We're glad it's school holidays now and that if anything happens, we don't have to stress so much about work and all the rest of it."
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Ms Driver said her and her family's wishes for 2022 were to have a good year.
"I think if it isn't (any different to 2021) at least we know what to expect," she said.
