The Moyneyana Festival committee has radically shifted its 2020/21 lineup due to uncertainty around coronavirus event restrictions.
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President Neil Hedger said the "usual parade and dance concert will not be held this year" but the committee was waiting to see in what capacity it would run the popular summer holiday events.
"We haven't said that we're not going to have the parade but the chances are very slim," Mr Hedger said.
"You're looking at about 15,000 people and there's no way we'll be able to get them all to social distance.
"Now we're planning for the worst but the town and council would really like us to have something."
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Despite the popular festivities looking at other options for the 73rd Moyneyana Festival, Mr Hedger said there would still be plenty of activities running over a two-week period from December 24 to January 10.
"We're excited to be able to do something," he said.
"The craft kits will be a little different. The Port Fairy Community Bank has given us some small bags and the Men's Shed will help out with toys. That's all going to be bagged up and handed to kids to go and put together.
"The sand sculpture will be where people can take a photo of their sand castles and put it on our Facebook.
"We'll also be doing a dress up your pet, doll or teddy bear, a nature trail and a family photo in front of their favourite shop to promote the traders who have helped us out every year."
Mr Hedger said the committee had spoken to the Port Fairy Winter Weekends committee about its digital program and will incorporate another pizza making competition through pizza shop Coffin Sally.
The Moyneyana Festival committee decided to shorten the upcoming event to ease pressure on the town's traders.
"To run the full month costs us about $70,000 and we get $10,000 from the Port Fairy Community Bank, the Folk Festival and the Moyne Shire Council. The rest comes from sponsorship from traders," Mr Hedger said.
"The traders have had a hard year and we felt it would be hard on them if we were to ask them to support us.
"We hope locals and tourists will still get around the festival if they can get here.
"It's just unknown what we'll be allowed to do but we have people working around the restrictions."
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