It was a bittersweet weekend in Illabo when the community gathered for its 31st and final stampede.
Stampede spokeswoman Caroline Willis said it was a difficult farewell for all after another successful year.
“It’s very sad that we won’t be running another show, considering our oldest member is 93,” she said.
“The campers and followers have become more of a family to all of us.”
Ms Willis wanted to thank those who pitched in over the weekend to make the final stampede possible.
“We’ve had so many people turn up to do even the yuckiest jobs,” she said.
“One group took over the cleaning of the showers and toilets, which leaves us to do the cooking.”
With visitors from right across the state, Ms Willis said it was a shame for the community to miss out on a large tourism boost.
“The men love to go to the camping stores and the girls love to see a specific dress shop or go to their favourite coffee place,” she said.
“People come into the area up to two weeks prior and leave over a week later.”
After more than 30 years of fun, Ms Willis said it’s the atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
“I think it’s just being able to have a weekend set aside for everyone to get together, listen to music and sing songs by the fire,” she said.
“Being able to park under the gum trees and have fun is what’s kept me going.”
