Australia Day celebrations will be going ahead in Orange, with almost as much fanfare as previous years, but certainly the same level of community spirit.
As in previous years the celebrations are in Cook Park and Orange Mayor Reg Kidd is encouraging all Orange residents to come and celebrate in a COVID-19 safe way.
This year's event will feature the Citizen of the Year Awards presentation, a Citizenship Ceremony and a market fair full of local arts, crafts and produce.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said he was pleased Coronavirus restrictions had lifted to the point where a celebration could go ahead, as close to normal, as possible.
"This Australia Day event will strive to create a community atmosphere like previous years," Cr Kidd said.
"We're hosting a community fair and we're encouraging everyone to get involved, simply contact Council if you'd like to set up a stall.
"We'll have performances and live music and plenty of food stalls so bring a picnic rug, set up with the family and enjoy a great morning out celebrating how lucky we are to live in beautiful Orange.
"We've all had a very tough year and we're looking forward to a much brighter 2021, so let's join together and start 2021 off in the right way, in a positive way, celebrating what it means to be a community."
With Australia Day only six weeks away, Council is calling on all business owners to consider setting up a stall on the day. Simply fill out a form online and return to Orange City Council.
"I'd love to see all our local businesses owners set up a pop-up shop at the park," Cr Kidd said.
"We're welcoming everything from clothes shops to homewares, furniture, hobbies, toys and linen.
"Make sure you let your favourite businesses know and encourage them to have a go and set up a stall on Australia Day."
The event will run from 8am to 1pm on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Visitors are asked to maintain social distancing, enter from the Summer Street gates and use hand sanitiser provided.
