The biggest crowd in nearly 15 years is expected at the Dimboola Rowing Regatta at the weekend.
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Dimboola Rowing Club captain Jenni Brand said entries had increased by a third from last year's event.
"It's looking absolutely amazing - we've gone up from about 260 last year to 380 competitors this year," Brand said.
"You'd have to go back to 2005 to have those same numbers.
"It's getting back to the good old days. The town is going to be absolutely buzzing.
"With family, supporters and all of that, you're probably looking at around 600 people in town for the weekend."
Brand said Dimboola Rowing Club's increased junior participation had potentially contributed to the outstanding turnout.
"I think over the last couple of years, the clubs have gotten out to other regattas and promoted Dimboola a bit more," Brand said.
"The kids are out rowing in competitions again, so they are being seen and people are talking about Dimboola."
One race on Saturday will also hold special significance for a Dimboola crew.
It is the 50th anniversary of Dimboola crew Ivan Kuhne, Rodney Pilmore, Geoff Gazelle and Bill Taylor winning the "world sprint-fours championship" at the Dimboola Regatta in 1969.
Pilmore, who now lives in Melbourne, will return to Dimboola and row on Saturday in honour of the 50th anniversary and of his late friend.
Ivan Kuhne passed away in July this year, but had always hoped to have a 50th anniversary catch-up at the Dimboola regatta.
Pilmore will row with Kuhne's two sons, Robin and Lyndon, and Dimboola-resident John Nichols in a masters competition.
"It was the dream to have a 50-year reunion, and talking at Ivan's funeral with his two sons, we thought it was a good idea to row together," Pilmore said.
"It was agreed that we would race a masters four in the Dimboola regatta in recognition and respect for their Dad and my mate Ivan."
Pilmore said he hadn't been to the Dimboola Regatta in more than 40 years, but was looking forward to a special weekend.
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