THE organiser of this weekend's Bathurst Fun Fair has called Bathurst an "events city" where the council and residents throw their support behind new community activities.
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And that's rare for a regional city, according to Jade Evans, who says she has encountered a wide range of attitudes when trying to book fun fairs across the state as NSW emerges from its COVID-19 shutdowns.
Bathurst Showground hosted the fun fair over two weekends in September and it is returning over the next two weekends by popular demand.
Ms Evans compares that response with her attempts to take the fun fair to Orange where the first booking for September was rejected by Orange City Council and negotiations are continuing about dates in the new year.
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"We have been trying to get into Orange for some months but we keep coming up against roadblocks," Ms Evans said.
"It's very different to what we've found in Bathurst where the council and community are very proactive about getting events here.
"It may be because Bathurst has the race and so many other good events, but it really is an events city and they're great to work with."
Ms Evans said she had received many calls from Bathurst people asking her to bring back the fair.
"We sold out last time and, as soon as we left, every day we were getting messages from people asking us to come back," she said.
The fun fair features 14 rides and attendees can purchase an armband that allows unlimited rides for each session.
There will be two sessions each day (11am-3pm and 4pm-8pm) on Saturday and Sunday over the next two weekends. Tickets can be purchased on Facebook or at the gate, though each session is limited to just 500 people.
Entry is $5 while unlimited ride armbands are $30 online or $35 at the gate. Ms Evans said the fair represented great value.
"The value is there with the armbands and we really wanted to give kids something to finish off the year as we head into December," she said.
"Even our showbags start at $4 and we make sure the food and beverages are reasonably priced. I'm a mum of six kids so I'm very aware of how important good value is.
"A lot of people are on JobKeeper at the moment and many have had their shifts cut back back so that value is vital for the success of the event."
Giveaway
- The Western Advocate has five double passes (including entry and unlimited rides armband) to the Bathurst Fun Fair to give away.
- The prize is valid for any of this weekend's sessions of the Bathurst Fun Fair.
- For you chance to win, email mail@westernadvocate.com.au and tell us: Where will the Bathurst Fun Fair be held this weekend?
- Include your name and contact phone number. Entries close 9am on Friday. Winners will be contacted by phone.
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