Each year they excel in that promotion by including additional activities. So do smaller towns like Lithgow, Tullamore, etc.

Last year, following the major event in this city, the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, I noticed a comment in the editorial section of the newspaper that it is a pity (or similar words) that we did not have a street parade and it could not be fitted into the program.

I would like to offer some suggestions, but I give them very little chance of acceptance.

On Friday night at present there is only the V8 Ball. I would suggest no change except the time for the V8 Ball to commence.

At 7pm, an organised street parade could start as held years ago. At the same time, you could hold many sporting activities in Kings Parade or Machattie Park just after or while the street parade was being held. 

This would finish at 10pm. Remember, this suggestion is catering for all 4000 local residents and the many thousands who will attend from smaller towns and those at the Mount, with Friday night free.

The V8 Ambassador Ball would commence at 10pm on Friday and continue until 3am (years back, many balls held in Bathurst went until that time). You are still catering for the approximately 400 that attend the V8 Ball. In other words, reschedule time slots.

On Saturday, move the stalls that occupy Kings Parade to Machattie Park and stage around Kings Parade a series of criterion pushbike events.

On Kings Parade itself there could be historic cars and motorbikes. Feature an open air concert at 6.30pm as in the past.

This program is not in competition with the Mount, as those wishing to go to the Mount will do so no matter what’s on.

Finally, allow all businesses, shops, etc to remain open on the Friday and Saturday night until midnight and therefore support out business community.

It is about time we cater for all Bathurst residents and hold a festival that is the equal or better than many others. A little bit of innovation would be great.

Furthermore, we will shortly hold the Bathurst 12 Hour race at Mount Panorama on February 4. I have not read of many planned events. I do stand corrected if I am wrong, but once again some suggestions.

To highlight the large range of cars participating, with consultation with the organiser of the event, if approved, at cost to the manufacturer, measure the area along the entrance in front of Scallywags and divide it into 10 equal areas for a billboard and 10 invitees could provide a billboard display of the car, such as Ferrari, etc, with driver.

Other billboards could be on 10 major points in the city, like the Knickerbocker Hotel and Stockland Mall. They would be lit up at night.

On the Friday, with the consultation of the organiser of the event at Mount Panorama, close Russell Street and Church Street and have as many of the cars competing as possible displayed on trailers in the area from 7pm to 8pm to allow many keen followers from other cities to come and view them.

To support charity, charge a fee to have your photo taken with the various cars.