The loss of the Stawell Gold Cup race meeting at Easter due to suspected vandalism will put a massive dent in what has become a major festival for Stawell.
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However, rather than dwelling on the loss, Stawell Racing Club officials have gone on the front foot and organised a family fun day on Easter Sunday which is gathering more and more interest.
The loss of the iconic race meeting is disappointing enough for the club and the community, but to know that it is the result of an apparent deliberate act to poison the grass on the track, has torn at the heartstrings of many in the community.
Even non-racing people have thrown their support behind the club and the police in their endeavours to catch the offender.
The family fun day will feature many attractions, including free entry, children's activities, an Easter egg hunt and the giant egg and spoon race that proved a massive drawcard last Easter.
The only thing missing on Easter Sunday will be horses running around the track, but the club has remained focused on ensuring that while it has been hit hard, it won't stay down.
All it needs now is for the community to get behind the day and make it an overwhelming success.