IN some ways, the Scone Horse Festival is a victim of its own success.
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It went from a brilliant little community event to a two-week extravaganza in a relatively short space of time.
But, the increase of the program to appease so many local groups, Racing NSW’s ruling to move the Scone Cup Carnival dates and alterations to school holiday terms saw a number of cracks appear in the planning, too.
Then, last year was the tipping point.
The festival felt the pinch when the annual spectacular’s biggest day (the parade, Scone Grammar School fete, and Scone Charity Rodeo) clashed not only with the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair in Denman, but also Bulga Beats (near Singleton) and Tocal Field Days.
A tough call needed to be made; and a new-look committee did just that.
Clearly, the choice hasn’t pleased everyone – you only have to look at the comments on social media.
However, residents cannot blame the organisers of the Wine and Food Affair either; that event, which brings 5000 people to the Upper Hunter, has always been on the first Saturday in May.
The local festival’s growth encroached on Denman’s turf.
President David Gatwood, and his executive, realised that scenario was not going to improve; hence their decision.
There is great hope that a large portion of the Wine and Food Affair visitors will make the trek to Scone the next day – for some, maybe for the first time.
So, it’s important to roll out the welcome mat to them.
The loss of the Scone Charity Rodeo from the schedule is a massive blow to the town, the local business community and accommodation houses.
In fairness, it’s not the fault of the Scone Horse Festival committee.
That setback has occurred due to the huge, and long overdue, redevelopment of White Park.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that the works will not be finished.
But, when it’s completed, Scone will boast a first-class facility that other rural towns will envy.
Let’s push all the animosity to one side – and give the committee the support it needs.
A lot can happen between now and May.