A modified Kannamaroo festival will bring a spark of joy to the community this weekend after a difficult year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Festival organisers have been continually modifying plans for the festival as COVID-restrictions change.
The committee decided to forge ahead with the festival in August, citing the chance to bring "hope back to the community" as a key reason for running a modified festival.
Committee president and Horsham councillor Di Bell said it was exciting to have something ready to go.
"We want to focus on what we can do, not what we can't do," she said.
"That's what we all need to look toward at the moment.
"It's been a moving target - we've had to make temporary arrangements and put different things in place, but we're really excited it's going ahead."
Among a changed itinerary will be a "pyromusical fireworks display" on Sunday at 9pm.
The fireworks will be released in timing with two Queen songs - 'We Will Rock You' and 'We Are the Champions'.
Mrs Bell said people would be able to see the fireworks from right across Horsham. She also urged residents to take care of their pets during the 5-minute show.
As part of the changed festival, Firebrace Street will not be closed down at all across the weekend.
Rather than usual proceedings on Friday, a Black Friday sales event will encourage people to come into town and to support Horsham businesses.
"We've been able to negotiate a footpath trading permit with the support of the council as well, so that has made it something a bit special," Cr Bell said.
"It's great that the Wimmera Mail-Times have taken on the Black Friday sales to make Friday something a bit different. It's going to be a hot day, but fortunately there's lots of nice air conditioned stores in Horsham for people to shop at."
READ MORE:
Rides familiar to Kannamroo enthusiasts will be run on Saturday and Sunday at the northern end of the Horsham Showgrounds.
On Saturday, the rides will run from 10am to 2pm, and then again from 5pm to 8pm, to avoid the worst part of what is expected to be a hot day.
On Sunday, the sessions will run from 10am to 5pm.
There will be a capped number of people allowed in the venue to abide by COVID-restrictions.
MODIFIED TOY DROP
As part of the weekend's festivities, a modified toy run for the Salvation Army's Christmas appeal will also happen on Saturday.
To abide by COVID-19 restrictions, the 21st edition of the annual event is asking people to donate toys and gifts at Horsham Harley-Davidson from 10am to midday.
The gifts are given to families in need of assistance ahead of Christmas.
In the past, motorcycle enthusiasts have ridden from Natimuk to Horsham to donate gifts.
Horsham chapter director Bopp Greenberger said the group was glad something could go ahead this year, despite the circumstances.
"The toy run has been going since 1999 in Horsham," he said.
"It's a great initiative and we're glad we can run something this year, even if it is a bit modified."
Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.