For 43 straight years the Orange Eight Day Games had entertained the city with a series of gruelling physical and mental challenges.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
COVID snapped that streak in 2020, but after some hard work by organisers, the event is set to return this month.
Eight Day Games honorary secretary Jason Lyne said they would be going with a similar format to previous years, but with a few added wrinkles.
"We've got 20 events lined up, starting Saturday, November 20 running inclusive to Saturday the 27th," he said.
"The guys have to do a commando course up at Integra gym, then we're heading out to the lake and we're doing some kayaking, a mystery event and also a time trial around the mountain bike track."
And that is just what they have planned for day one.
"Then we get into the second day and we start with swimming in the morning and then we're actually heading out to Molong this year to do disc golf, which is the first time we've done that," Lyne added.
"Over the years we've had a lot of people from Molong compete in the games and a couple of our business supporters are from out there, so we're trying to repay the favour and say thank you to those guys and also try something different."
As well as the more physically tasking challenges, sports such as croquet, bow hunting, clay target shooting, ten pin bowling, lawn bowls and orienteering will also be on the cards, with contestants required to compete in each and every task.
"Every event might not be your cup of tea or your strong point, but you'll meet some amazing people, have a lot of laughs during the week," Lyne added.
"You'll do your best in every event and sometimes your best isn't good enough, but at least you're giving it a go and having fun.
"I've been involved for nearly 30 years and I've got lifelong friends from it."
A return to the playing field has certainly garnered the interest of the public as well, with registrations at capacity.
"We missed last year because of COVID going on which was extremely hard and disappointing for what would've been our 44th consecutive year," Lyne added.
"To have a really good book of competitors this time is going to be sensational."
Weekend events will run throughout the day, while those taking place during the week will start at 3.30pm to enable people to work throughout.
Although he won't be competing this year, Lyne's presence will still be felt.
"I'm organising a lot of the mystery events this year," he said.
"They could be a little bit outside the box."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.centralwesterndaily.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Catch up on our news headlines at Google News