ORGANISERS of this weekend’s bachelor and spinsters ball at Harrow are calling for support to secure the event’s future.
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Tussock Jumpers Bachelor and Spinster Ball committee president Toby Irving said numbers had decreased in recent years and the committee would assess the success of this year’s event to determine whether it would return.
He said flood, drought and extended harvests had all contributed to attendance – but said it was an important break from the farm for some.
“Farms are getting bigger now and there are less and less young people around, but that’s how it is in the country now – so we will just see how it goes,” Mr Irving said.
“We were up at 700 people for a little while but this year we would like about 500.”
The ball has raised more than $250,000 for community groups across its 19 years and Mr Irving said all proceeds from the “party with a purpose” went to the community.
He said the town’s population swelled for the unique event.
“The money goes to nursing centres, kindergartens, sporting clubs… A lot of the community gets in and helps out on the day with various things,” he said.
“The community groups are the ones who benefit from the ticket sales.”
Ballan band, Function, will perform at the ball on Saturday and Sunday on the banks of the Glenelg River.
Mr Irving said the event was well catered, with several barbecues operating at nighttime and in the morning after the ball.
“The local butcher does the steak sausages and all the food and alcohol is paid for in the ticket price,” he said.
“It’s generally a pretty good time. We hope everyone can enjoy themselves.”
Tickets for the ball cost $150 which includes alcohol, food, entertainment, a camp site and access to amenities for the two days.
The dress code is black tie.
Mr Irving said people could buy tickets prior to the event, or at the gate.