mmg.com.au

There’s an exciting six weeks coming up for Deniliquin, with a major event at least every fortnight starting with this month’s Deniliquin Fishing Classic.

Deniliquin Council manger economic development and tourism Greg Lawrence welcomed the mostly March events, saying the annual Fishing Classic in particular would boost a normally slow period.

‘‘It’s great to have something like the Fishing Classic, which brings 700-odd anglers to town,’’ he said.

The Deniliquin RSL Fishing Classic will be held from February 17 to 19.

For the first time, the classic will include the Charlie Carp Fish Race, where 500 plastic fish will ‘race’ 500m from the National Bridge.

The owner of the first fish to cross the line will receive $1000. There’s also two days of competitive fishing, as well as the $8000 Prize-A-Rama at the Deniliquin RSL Club on February 17.

March 2 and 3 will see the revamped Deniliquin Show return to Memorial Park.

The restructured event will see a reduction in sideshow alley attractions, with an emphasis on traditional rural show roots.

With more of a field day style, the show will host more than 30 exhibitors, plus the Riverina Shearing Championships, working dog trials, a farmers’ market and horse events.

Saturday, March 17 is the Deniliquin Community Ball. With a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ theme, the event will be held in the VIP shed at the Ute Muster’s Conargo Rd site.

All money raised will go towards the Deniliquin Hospital, Navorina Nursing Home and people needing medical assistance.

The Deni Matchmakers Festival will then run from March 22 to 25.

The festival will include perfect match games, live bands, speed dating, Deni’s longest lunch and a black tie ball.

Last year’s inaugural festival was a huge success with 250 tickets sold, and more expected this year.

Hot on the festival’s heels is the Farming Innovation and Technology Expo (FITE).

The first ever expo will be run over March 30 and 31 at the Murray Valley Industry Park on Todds Rd, Deniliquin.

It aims to showcase a means of diversifying the region and promoting a sustainable future, and will include speakers and a new inventors competition.

More than 80 exhibitors have already signed up.

Mr Lawrence said he is also working with organisers of events such as the farmers’ market and Deniliquin Ute Muster, to expand them even further.

He encouraged shopkeepers to be ready for the expected influx of visitors in the coming months.

‘‘We can bring 1000 people to town but if the shop’s not going to be open or not going to be approachable, it makes it very hard for that retailer to make good use of those people in town.’’