ORGANISERS of the annual Great Nundle Dog Race are holding on to hope this year's event can go ahead, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Originally slated to be held on May 3, the event was postponed due to the pandemic and a new tentative date of October 25 was set down.
However, organising committee member Megan Trousdale said it was still unclear if this year's event would go ahead.
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"It all really depends on what restrictions are in place regarding mass gatherings and if we feel comfortable holding the event if permitted," Ms Trousdale told the Leader.
"It's an event everyone looks forward to and offers a great experience for the community as well as being a major fundraiser for our P&C.
"You look at recent events that have been cancelled like the Tamworth Show and the reason they made that decision is because it needs a mass audience, just like our dog race.
"If we can't have a couple of thousand people, it probably isn't worth while, especially if there is any risk to the community."
Ms Trousdale said the committee was likely to make a decision regarding the event's fate in the coming weeks.
"We've got our next meeting after the school holidays and I think we will just keep monitoring the situation until then," she said.
"The committee is a well-oiled machine and we can pick up the organising of the event at any time and run with it.
"However, the one thing holding us back is the restrictions on public gatherings and we need to wait to see if we are in a position to hold the event this year, or if we postpone until May next year."
If the event were to be cancelled, it would the latest casualty for the community after the annual Nundle Go for Gold festival and CWA art show were cancelled.
"The art show is normally held in November, but the group made an early call which is understandable," Ms Trousdale said.
"I do know the committee that is putting the annual Christmas markets together is still looking to hold that event in November.
"I'm not on that committee so I can't speak for them, but I understand they are hopeful of being able to hold the event.
"I think like us it will just be a matter of wait and see."
