COVID-19 forced the last minute cancellation of the Keith Diesel and Dirt Derby in March last year but organisers are hoping the South East town's showgrounds will roar back into life in 2021.
The derby usually attracts 10,000-12,000 people but event chairman Glen Simpson says they are instead planning a smaller, "one off" event, Keith Revved Up, on Saturday, March 27.
Mr Simpson says pre-selling all 6000 admission tickets online will make it easier to adhere to strict COVID guidelines.
"Everyone is keen as mustard to have some sort of event, the jet boaters and tractor pullers haven't had a round for a long time and the whole committee is pumped to put something on," he said.
A lot of community groups are missing the fundraiser so this is a chance to regroup a bit, have some fun and raise some money.
- GLEN SIMPSON
Over the past nine years the Keith Diesel and Dirt Derby has been a major fundraiser for Keith P& A Society as well as community groups who assist in the running of the event. About $500,000 turnover has come from the past few events.
"A lot of community groups are missing the fundraiser so this is a chance to regroup a bit, have some fun and raise some money," he said.
The Header Demolition Derby-Australia's only such event- is in recess this year but the all-day, action packed program will still include V8 Superboats, DUMPTA Modified Tractor Pull, Vintage Tractor Pull and Modified Lawn Mower Pull.
The Keith & Districts Motorcycle Club will host a motocross event for the juniors and the main arena will feature a freestyle motocross display by the Aussie FMX stunt riders.
"It is meant to be a showground but we turn it into a bit of a motorsport park," he said.
Tickets for Keith Revved Up, which went on sale last week are selling well although Mr Simpson says there are some potential attendees nervous about the possibility of another lock down or hard border closures.
"COVID changes day to day, we have to try and if something does go wrong all tickets are 100 per cent refundable," he said.
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