Gunnedah is gearing up for the return of AgQuip - Australia's largest premier agricultural field days.
The ACM Rural Events field days are a highlight in the Shire's calendar, drawing 100,000 visitors from across Australia to see the latest in innovations, browse 1000 exhibits and enjoy three days in beautiful Gunnedah.
"The event is celebrating its 49th anniversary and has battled its way back after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.
"I'd like to congratulate Rural Events on getting AgQuip under way once again amid difficult circumstances, and I encourage the Gunnedah community to head out and take a look around. After a two-year hiatus, the crowds are sure to be big.
"I'll be out there, as will our Council team members, at site K-L/25, and I look forward to watching the crowds flood in again.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for locals to see the latest and greatest in innovation, technology and agricultural advances.
"It's also a chance to catch up with old friends, grab a steak sandwich, and browse 1000 exhibits."
Councillor Chaffey said AgQuip was also the ideal platform for Gunnedah's retail and hospitality industries.
"I look forward to seeing our main street buzzing with activity as visitors eat in our cafes and restaurants and enjoy the country hospitality of our many hotels and motels," he said.
"Another reason I'm excited about AgQuip is the return of Council's NightQuip event on Tuesday, August 16. NightQuip is a vibrant evening festival that will fill Gunnedah's main street with music, market stalls, food and late-night shopping from 5.30-8.30pm.
"It's a great opportunity to get some of the AgQuip atmosphere into town to see all that the Shire has on offer."
NightQuip is just one of the events planned during the week. Other events include:
- Monday, August 15, 11am-5pm: Gunnedah Jockey Club AgQuip Race Day
- Tuesday, August 16, 5:30pm-10pm: National Billy Boiling Competition at The Railway Hotel
- Wednesday, August 17, 5:30pm-10pm: AgQuip Xtreme Broncs at Gunnedah Showground
