WINE lovers and racing enthusiasts will be right at home at this year\u2019s Blue Pyrenees Estate Avoca Cup.<\/p>\n
Gates will be open from 11am on Saturday 21 October for a day of racing in the Pyrenees wine region.<\/p>\n
It will be the first time the event has gone ahead in three years following the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding, and Avoca Turf Club manager Kate Kirkpatrick said it\u2019s great to be back.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t raced since 2019 so we\u2019re very excited to be back,\u201d she said. \u201cWe had a bit of a false start last year with the floods and the event being cancelled just three days prior.\u201d<\/p>\n
They day will have something for the whole family with seven races, wine, and children\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n
There will also be a $3000 prize pool for fashions on the field, live entertainment and buses running from Ballarat.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty of marquees still available and lots for the kids this year with an obstacle course, a jumping castle, plenty of food trucks and Blue Pyrenees Estate wines,\u201d said Ms Kirkpatrick.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year is really just about getting everyone back as it feels a bit surreal to be planning after so long.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a post-pandemic world, Ms Kirkpatrick said organisations are having to plan events in different ways.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe world has changed and consumer habits have changed so trying to plan an event in a post COVID world is quite different,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople tend to book more last minute now and with the economy people are holding back to see if they have the resources to attend.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is hoped the event will support the local economy and put Avoca on the map.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften events like ours where we see 5000 or more people generate a huge economic impact,\u201d said Ms Kirkpatrick.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also about taking pride in our town and our region and showcasing what we have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n