The Illabo Country Music Stampede will return for its 31st and final year next week, with three action-packed days planned to give the festival the roaring farewell it deserves.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stampede spokeswoman Caroline Willis said there were plenty of events and activities on offer over the weekend.
“We kick off on Thursday night with the Galloping Grannies kitchen offering some of the best homemade soup to help ward of the night chills while you enjoy the campfire sing-a-long,” Ms Willis said.
“People can look forward to some great country music on the stage from Friday night on, and the heats for the talent quest will be on all-day Saturday.
“Saturday and Sunday morning we have the bush poets over a great old fashioned bush breakie including lambs fry and bacon, and we have an array of local stalls from pottery to soap and home made goodies on Sunday in the pavilion.”
There will also be raffles with plenty of great prizes, artist workshops for people who want to learn a bit more about music, and plenty of yummy food for guests to get stuck in to.
The Stampede organisers had to make the sad decision to discontinue the festival earlier this year when they could not get enough people to volunteer to help run the show.
Ms Willis said they were very sad to see the Stampede go, but would cherish the memories made over the years for life.
“The committee are very sad that this will be the last. We had hoped that some other member of the community would take over and build on a already great festivals,” she said.
“We would like to thank everyone who have supported us over the years, from guest artists, contestants, local businesses, to all our dedicated followers and campers.”
The Stampede has supported many fantastic causes over the years, including Soldier On, Blaze Aid, Early Intervention, Riverina Bluebell, Angel Flight, and the Ungarie Bowling Club.
The 31st and final Illabo Country Music Stampede begins on Thursday April 19 and runs through to Sunday.