Organisers of this year's Orange Winter Fire Festival are nervously watching the COVID situation for NSW to determine whether the events can go ahead.
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Orange360 general manager Caddie Marshall said bookings had been strong for this year's expanded program of events.
However, now that will be dependent on the COVID pandemic and public health regulations in place for the August 5-8 dates set for the 2021 festival.
We are taking bookings so it is a watch and wait
- Caddie Marshall, Orange360
"We are taking bookings so it is a watch and wait," she said.
"Riding on the success of Food Week we were really looking forward to it.
"We've got our fingers crossed," she said.
Ms Marshall said under current health regulations some of the events would not be able to happen.
"Let's make sure we're doing the right thing. There is always next year. We don't want people getting sick, that is the most important thing to us," she said.
Ms Marshall said there was an increased emphasis on performances in this year's program.
She said they had an eventual aim of moving the festival beyond an extended weekend into a 10-day festival.
Ms Marshall said that would allow people to go to more than one event and ensure events did not 'cannabilise' each others' ticket sales and crowds.
This year's festival is due to start on Thursday August 5 with the 'Cold August Night' concert at the Canobolas Dance Hall featuring double-ARIA award winner Mike Carr and local musicians.
The popular Millthorpe Night Markets are planned for 5pm-9pm on Friday August 6.
Apart from stalls run by local producers, wineries and businesses, there would also be live music and fireworks.
And this year ice skating would be available all weekend.
Several wineries and the Oriana Hotel will be hosting food, wine and music events ranging from pizza nights to picnics.
Bonfires will also be burning across the region.
They include the wassailing event at the Canobolas Dance Hall on Saturday August 7.
On Sunday afternoon on August 8 the Big Paddock Bonfire will be held at the Australian National Field Days site at Borenore.
Food, drink and marshallows for toasting will be available as well as music and a jumping castle to provide family entertainment.
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David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
