StawellBiz have announce the annual Easter Saturday Sensation will not be the same in 2021, with tight COVID-19 regulations forcing changes to the way the day will run.
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Last year the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 lockdowns and in 2021 the event will not be taking place in an official capacity.
StawellBiz spokesperson Llew Clark said retailers will still be opening their doors with special sales in place, but there will be no amusements or entertainment like in previous years.
"There will be no Main Street Easter sensation this year. Normally there are rides, entertainments and amusements but there will be nothing like that happening due to COVID," he said.
"But from a retailers point of view, we are anticipating a busy trade on Easter Saturday morning, so we will just be offering specials for the day.
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"The retailers are going to be trading strongly on the day, but there is no entertainment and there is nothing being promoted because of COVID and the strict regulations in place.
"I have spoken with some accommodation venues around town and they are heavily booked out for the weekend, so we anticipate a buoyant weekend."
Mr Clark also said the Northern Grampians Shire Council are expecting a strong number of people in the town over Easter, and will be closing Main Street to vehicles to help cater for the busy Saturday morning foot traffic.
Mr Clark also said after the challenges of 2020, the Easter weekend will give a much needed boost to Stawell retailers.
"This Easter weekend is invaluable for us and it is super important that we do have a good weekend of trade," he said.
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"We will have to make sure we are adhering to COVID rules and customer numbers in our stores, but it is imperative that we get a busy weekend."
StawellBiz reconvened for the first time in around 12 months after a COVID-19 induced hiatus earlier in March and will be hosting their AGM on April 14.
Mr Clark said despite the decision to scale back the Easter Saturday Sensation the group are looking forward to organising other events in 2021.
"We only met for the first time for a number of months and there was no time to get anything organised, but the decision has come from recommendations of other business leaders around town. as well that nothing should go ahead in the way of entertainment," he said.
"Hopefully the wheels will be turning again pretty soon once that AGM has taken place.
"There are a lot of traders and businesses around Stawell that are keen to be involved with StawellBiz and see the town progress.
"Stawell, like many other places has taken fairly tough battering from COVID, and so we are keen to get some business activity happening here in town."
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