GLENELG Shire’s largest event is all set to go at Heywood on Saturday, with Wood, Wine and Roses organisers as confident as they can be they have put a turbulent two years behind them for the return of the tourist drawcard.

They are hopeful that the event can again draw somewhere near the 12,000 visitors it did before the coronavirus pandemic, despite having to battle more than a few obstacles in the run-in.

Health-related (and not coronavirus) reasons have forced a handful of late cancellations but organising committee president Ross Barclay said he was confident most of those gaps had been filled.

“We’ve got the bases covered,” he said.

“We have lowered the gate fee ($15 for those aged 15 and over) this year knowing it could be different circumstances arising but there’s still going to be a lot of entertainment for $15.

“The jetpack boys have created a fair bit of interest and I’ve secured a couple of big rides for the kids this year which have never been here before.”

The jetpack entertainment, where the participants launch into the air propelled by jetpacks on their back, will be in the empty paddock next to the Scout hall on Scott St, while the northernmost part of the festival is the north bank area of the Fitzroy River, which for the first time features a street rod show and the Factory FMX Motocross as well as motorsport staples such as Khanacross and pit bike racing.

In between will be many of the usual staples such as the ever-popular woodchopping, stalls and rides, art, garden displays, wine stalls and highland dancing.

All entertainment will be on the main stage, with the river bank one scrapped – the Dinomaniacs show will feature a meet and greet afterwards as well.

The day kicks off with the street parade at 11am, which has the usual prizes and is still open for entries, while Heywood’s businesses have been busy creating window displays as well.

A highlight at the Pioneer Wagon Shed and Museum at 2pm will be the official opening of the Stehn-Lynch Memorial Jail, named after two late former policemen in the town in Fred Stehn and Allen Lynch.

The second jail built in the town, it is now at the museum.

The event will run to about 10.30pm, with music during the evening.

Mr Barclay paid tribute to the organising committee for their efforts in getting the event back up and running after the 2021 version was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It has been a lot harder, very much so, but all the new ones that have come on board they’ve all done a fantastic job, they’ve all stepped up,” he said.

“It’s good that young people have got involved which gives us heart for the future.”

Sponsors had also flocked back, and all that remains to be seen is if the crowds do so too.

“I have no idea about the numbers coming through but just talking to two or three running other events all their crowds have been up because people are just wanting to get out,” Mr Barclay said.

“There’s been a lot of interest but it’s been a difficult year to be confident about anything.”

Organisers are unable to sell entry armbands in the street due to the ‘COVID safe’ protocols applying to the event (attendees have to show proof of double vaccination) so these must be bought at the gate.

Mr Barclay recommended people buy these before the street parade so they could go straight through to the festival on the parade’s conclusion.

As reported in last Friday’s Observer, eventgoers will have to bring their own seats as the ones in the venue don’t comply with physical distancing rules. For more information, or to enter a float in the parade, contact Mr Barclay on 0428 342 287.