THE ROARING of thunderous utes into town, a sea of black tie wearing party-goers and plenty of alcohol flowing will kick off this year's Gunnedah Bachelor and Spinsters' Ball.
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Gearing up for what is set to be one of the largest B and S balls in the annual event's 11-year history, revellers from right across Australia will converge on Gunnedah's rugby club ground to bring in the New Year.
Organisers have been pleased with the enormous response to this year's B and S, with the number of party-goers dressed to thrill expected to exceed the 3000 mark.
Despite much of the country ravaged by the worst drought this century, it hasn't hindered the partying with interest coming from as far afield as Darwin, Perth and Melbourne.
Revellers won't be disappointed, as organisers have worked overtime ensuring everyone attending the New Year's Eve Ball has a fantastic time.
Beer and the famous bushman's drink – Bundaberg Rum – will flow freely throughout the evening,
Add to that more than 5000 prime rump steaks, 600 loaves of bread and hundreds of onions, hungry party-goers will be fuelled-up to bring in the New Year. With more than 500kg of sausages being cooked for breakfast they'll get a good start for New Year's day as well.
Organisers hope this year's event will be as successful as that of the B and S Balls in the past 11 years.
Gunnedah Rugby Club vice president Tim Walsh said the annual event was a great experience for those who come, many returning year after year.
"It's a great way for those young people who work out in remote areas to take time off and come here, see friends and basically kick up their heels and have fun," Mr Walsh said.
"Dressing up and wearing a black tie is a great way for the young people to enjoy a wonderful evening of music, company and just fun.
"But as the drinks start flowing the black tie dress usually doesn't look as tidy and clean as when they arrived.
"By the time breakfast comes around, most of them, many with incredible hangovers, look more like they have spent the night shearing sheep."
There will be no shortage of entertainment to keep the partying revellers happy as midnight and 2003 approaches.
Popular bands Spin and 24/7 will headline the event playing throughout the evening and into the new year guaranteeing noone will leave the ball disappointed, which as many past revellers would agree, was impossible.
Each year the B and S Ball is renowned for the popular cap and bumper sticker, supplied with the $90 tickets.
Mr Walsh said the cap and stickers were known all over Australia, with many past B and S party goers sporting the popular accessories.
"It's amazing how you can be on holiday up on the Gold Coast and be just walking along the beach and see someone wearing one of the B and S caps," Mr Walsh said.
"The young people really enjoy the ball and to see they still wear the caps and have the bumper sticker on their ute wherever they are is great."
Each year, the security of the Gunnedah B and S Ball is paramount and organisers have been kept busy in the lead up to the event ensuring all those who attend will be safe.
"Everyone who attends the ball will be required to present ID, in the form of a drivers' license or proof of age card," he said.
"We want the young people to have a great time, but we do everything possible to guarantee all those who attend are safe."