He knows the upcoming Darley Scone Cup Carnival on May 10 and 11 will be another outstanding success, it's just whether Mother Nature comes to the party, too.

The event is a two-day extravaganza of high-class racing, chic styles and fun with nearly $2 million in prizemoney as well as Fashions on the Field, which also boasts magnificent prizes.

"We're definitely hoping for some good weather," Courtney admitted.

"Muswellbrook was lucky the other day; we'd like much of the same."

With a couple of carnivals under his belt now, the chief executive officer is certainly gratified by Scone's status on the Racing NSW calendar.

But, he's determined to take it to the next level, too.

"It's been a learning experience for me," Courtney said.

"However, it is inspiring to come to a town of 5500 people and have half of them turning up to the carnival.

"All up, we attract a crowd of 11,000 over the two days - that's pretty significant.

"A lot of that is due to the late Noel Leckie and former CEOs Helen Sinclair and Sarah Wills.

"They lifted it to the standard and reputation it has today.

"But, it's been a collective effort as well - from the studs through to the committee.

"Everyone's proud of the event.

"In fact, our board members and employees believe the Scone Cup Carnival is actually the studs' race meeting.

"We're giving the locals a chance to shine on a national - and international - stage.

"It's their 'home game' so to speak.

"And, they usually rise to the challenge."

Courtney also plans to return the carnival to its original charter - a community event.

"We're keen to portray that even more now," he said.

"The Fashions on the Field will be locally-run this year, too.

"Acey Firth from The Herd is overseeing that aspect of the meeting.

"It's important to listen to what people want.

"And, we're responding to those requests.

"At the end of the day, it's the Upper Hunter's carnival.

"We're just hosting it."

To celebrate the Scone Cup, Friday, May 10, is a half day public holiday from noon in the Upper Hunter Shire, with the exception of the Merriwa district.

As in previous years, it'll apply to towns and villages including Aberdeen, Blandford, Bunnan, Ellerston, Gundy, Moonan Brook, Murrurundi, Parkville, Scone, Rouchel, Timor and Wingen.

All council offices, waste management facilities, SOOSH, Early Learning Centre, libraries and youth centres including those in Merriwa will be closed from noon.

Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said there was a great deal of community consultation to hold public holidays and he hoped residents would support the event.

"We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2019 Darley Scone Cup Carnival," he added.

"It's one of the many highlights of the Scone Horse Festival."

The Scone Visitor Information and Horse Centre will be open every day of the festival with maps, advice and merchandise, from 9am to 5pm week days and 10am to 4pm on weekends.

For more information, visit www.upperhuntercountry.com, www.sconehorsefestival.com.au, www.sconeraceclub.com.au or follow their pages on Facebook.

Holiday arrangements each year for the Scone Cup are possible only with the proven support of the Upper Hunter community.

In October and November, council sought residents' views.