This week Warracknabeal would have been a hive of activity as the community prepares for the 22nd annual Easter YFest.
Unfortunately, it joins a long list of events cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 17, the YFest promotions committee made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event, including the busking, parade, community market and golf tournament.
Only the Warracknabeal Race meeting will continue with the restrictions advised by the Victorian Racing Club.
Chairman Lance Huebner said the cancellation will hurt the community.
"There will be a fairly substantial financial impact from cancelling everything in the YFest," he said.
"As of today only the races will be on, but even it will be hit, going from 2000 people on race day to just 100 essential people."
Traditionally, the YFest is a found day community-run event that stretches from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
Longtime committee member John Butcher said the announcement has left a hole in the community.
"We are all very flat. The YFest is one of the social events of the year," he said.
"We get upwards of 3000 people attending the festival across the long weekend.
"It's a time for families to come together for the weekend... we get a lot of visitors too.
"There's a real buzz about the town, a real surge of activity.
"But I believe the news has a real flattening effect."
Mr Butcher said the decision came as organising efforts were about to reach a crescendo.
"I organise the busking competition, which involves a lot of buildup," he said.
"I've spent the good part of a month contacting numerous people.
"Then Whack! Suddenly, we can't have it - for understandable reasons."
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