The annual Gundagai-Adelong Racing Club (GARC) Snake Gully Cup will be a very different affair in 2020. The event normally attracts thousands of visitors to Gundagai. This year’s event will be held on the 13 and 14 November 2020 and due to COVID-19 pandemic a restriction of 500 attendees has been put in place.
Information on the GARC website advises “The Snake Gully Cup and Hair of the Dog race days will be limited to only existing members and their guest, named race book owners and syndicate managers who have runners on the day.”
Local venue operators have discussed options for their venues based on individual capacity numbers and the type of entertainment or functions they can safely offer their patrons.
Cr McAlister said the town’s retail and entertainment sectors need to put plans in place for visitors who may be in town for the weekend.
“We have canvassed the accommodation outlets in town, there are still likely to be many visitors in town over that weekend. We need to let them know what will be on offer if they can’t attend the Snake Gully Cup meet,” Cr McAlister said.
Local restaurants, cafes and hotels are offering take away meals and food platters for those who are having house parties and the possibility of a courtesy bus operating around town is being explored.
The Gundagai Tourism Action Committee is encouraging local businesses and residents to celebrate the Cup with promotions and unique race themed house celebrations. Fashions on Field at home and Pool Pony races are some of the ideas being discussed.
“I urge all residents who have people coming for the Snake Gully Cup weekend, and accommodation hosts to advise guests that there will be limited capacity in all venues across Gundagai.”
“This year will be very different from past Snake Gully Cup events, but that’s no reason why we all can’t think outside the box and celebrate this iconic event in another way, supporting our local businesses and enjoying and sharing a unique experience,” Cr McAlister added.