THE city may have missed out on its traditional New Year's Eve fireworks, but the organisers of the Fun Fair Summer Splash plan to light up the sky this month.
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Organisers also say they are well-versed in running events in the time of COVID and know "what's needed to keep everyone safe".
It will be the third Fun Fair in Bathurst in the past four months.
The first Fun Fair - featuring showbags, carnival food, rides from Sydney, local market stalls and food vans - was held over two weekends last September.
There was some criticism within Bathurst about how wise it was to hold the event, but Jade Evans, one of the Fun Fair owner/operators, said after the first weekend that the protocols had worked well.
"The mayor came down on Saturday and we had the police come down to check everything was COVID safe and they were happy with it. We've passed with flying colours," she said.
The second Fun Fair was held over two weekends last November and December.
What is being called the Fun Fair Summer Splash, featuring fireworks, water slides, rides and food trucks, will be held at Bathurst Showground from January 23 to 26.
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"We'll be the first fireworks in Bathurst since COVID, and we've worked with council on a plan to ensure we can bring the town a display that is not only spectacular but also COVID safe," Ms Evans said.
She said the fireworks will be held on Saturday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 26.
Entry to the event can be pre-purchased online (for four hours of unlimited rides - and including the firework displays) or for $35 at the gates.
Entry to just the fireworks will be $5 and will include a voucher for a free ride or food item.
"For those who haven't purchased a four-hour unlimited rides pass during the day of the 23rd or 26th, the $5 entry fee to see the fireworks is a nominal cost, which includes a free ride or food voucher, that allows us to restrict entry to the best viewing area so that we can monitor seating in a COVID safe way," Ms Evans said.
"All seating spots will be mapped out in accordance with NSW Health and local council requirements."
Ms Evans said the Fun Fair operators - made up of a group of families who usually work with large events like the Royal Easter Show, The Ekka and Melbourne Shows - are now well versed in running COVID safe events "and are already known to local authorities who have commended us on going above and beyond what's required".
Organisers say the Fun Fair Summer Splash COVID safety plan includes maintaining 1.5m social distancing, wiping down rides frequently, staff wearing masks, allowance of four square metres per person for the fireworks display, customer numbers being monitored by three COVID marshalls and the event team, sanitiser stations on-site and available at entry, exit and at every ride and attraction, and contactless digital sign-in with Service NSW.
They are also recommending the use of contactless payment options where possible.
They say cash will be accepted, but EFTPOS and online facilities are preferred.
