FOR a second year running, Wimmera residents and visitors will be able to enjoy lights and music at Maydale Reserve this December 31.
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Horsham Agricultural Society will stage its sophomore New Years Eve by the river event at Horsham Showgrounds on Tuesday.
Secretary and event organiser Andrea Cross said the organisation was expecting big numbers to attend.
"We planned for 700 people last year but we ended up seeing 2500 come through the gate," she said. "So we are prepared for that kind of turnout.
"The layout is going to be slightly different than last year for that reason."
Ms Cross said entertainment on the night would feature music from Aaron Murray and Acousticus Stomp.
She said there would not be any fireworks, instead there would be light displays and a water feature curated by Nati Frinj Biennale director Hannah French.
Ms Cross said attractions for the children included jumping castles, face painting, a giant sand pit and water activities to stay cool.
Ms Cross said there was a strict no BYO alcohol policy with bag checks at the gate but food and drinks would be sold at the event.
"We've got pizza, nachos, baked potatoes and we're doing a sausage sizzle," she said. "We've also got cheese platters and ice cream for the kids."
Ms Cross said the Silo Bar Beer Garden would be open with Australian and German beers as well as cider and spirits.
"We'll also have espresso martinis," she said.
Ms Cross said the family friendly event would begin at 6pm but said people could drop off their picnic mats, chairs and gazebos at the site between 2pm and 4pm to save their spot.
"Some chairs and tables will be provided but to be safe, pop some in the car," she said.
Ms Cross said volunteers would be out with ipads at the gate to survey attendees about the event.
"That's so we can gauge the success of the event and whether it should continue," she said.
"We are the centre of the Wimmera and as a large town there's an expectation that we should have (a New Years Eve event) in Horsham.
"There's not been anything really formal in the town for many years."
Other events for your diary
Friday
Dungeons and Dragons campaign at Arcadeon, Stawell from 7pm until midnight. $5 entry.
Saturday
Free Play and Stern Army tournament at Australian Pinball Museum, Nhill from 11am until 9pm. $20 entry per person for unlimited games.
Twlight Flights over the Vines at Bests winery Great Western from 4pm until 8pm. Five-minute flights available for $70 per person with 10, 15 and 20 minutes also available. Event hosted by Grampians Helicopters.
Tuesday
New Year's Eve crashers at Horsham RSL from 6am until 1pm. Dinner and show tickets $35, $5 entry fee without dinner.
KandL performing live at the Stawell Bowling Club on New Years Eve from 8pm until midnight. Tickets $20 each including dinner.
New Years Eve at Halls Gap Tavern from 12pm until 1pm Wednesday. Includes live music from Doug Jolly.
Wednesday
New Year's Day parkrun on the Wimmera River at Horsham's Sawyer Park from 8am. Free.
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