The Horsham Fishing Competition and an amateur motocross event will be the major drawcards as Horsham welcomes thousands of visitors this long weekend.
The yearly angling tournament attracts more than 2000 people over three days while 300 riders enter the two-day motocross racing event at Dooen with their families and support staff in tow.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline said she hoped the influx of people would entice visitors to consider shifting to the Wimmera.
“The data shows people need to visit a region multiple times before they might consider a decision to relocate,” she said.
“From speaking with business operators over the past few years, we know that there are plenty of jobs that they are struggling to fill.
“So with visitors coming to our events, we want them to really get a glimpse of what the area has to offer,” Cr Gulline said.
Council’s depot crews are busily preparing the riverfront areas ahead of the fishing competition.
Tasks include mowing, general tidying and provision of bins. River access tracks have been graded and town entry signage erected.
Council also provides a $5000 contribution to the fishing competition via its Community Development Grants Program.
Cr Gulline praised the endeavour of the competition’s organising committee.
“The competition has been a staple of Horsham events for the past 46 years. An empty river has been the only thing that has stopped the contest from going ahead throughout its history. That’s a testament to the hard work and adaptability of the volunteers who run it,” she said.
“While the free camping offered along the river means that many visitors don’t need to book accommodation, we know they do still spend a lot of money in town, from groceries to camping equipment and eating out.
“There is also a high number of women who attend the competition and they are generally inclined to go and do some retail shopping while they are here.”
At the Dooen motocross track, there are race categories for junior and senior, Victorian and interstate amateur riders.
Meanwhile Horsham Town Hall is hosting headline performances from Chocolate Starfish (Friday night) and Diesel (Saturday night).
The Horsham Greyhound Pacing Cup is on Friday night, the Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids Car Show is at May Park on Sunday and Sawyer Park will host a Wild Action Zoo on Sunday from 2pm.
