There isn't a Trundle ABBA Festival this year but local businesses and community groups have stepped up to ensure there’s still a reason to visit the town this October.
From 17 to 19 October, Trundle will come alive with All Roads Lead to Trundle, a weekend packed with music, markets, fundraising and country hospitality.
The idea was sparked by Kate Procopis, owner of the Trundle Hotel who saw an opportunity to bring the town together and keep the spirit of celebration alive.
"ABBA is a large income producer for the town,” Kate said.
"It started off with me just wanting to raise some funds to help keep the pub open for the next 12 months."
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With the 10th annual Trundle Pink Night already scheduled for the Friday, Kate saw a chance to build on the momentum.
"Pink Night always draws a great crowd so I thought, while people are here, let’s give them more to do."
Soon after, she learned that the Trundle Children’s Centre was planning a golf day fundraiser to raise money for a new daycare facility.
"That’s when I realised we all needed to work together, not compete for people’s attention," Kate said.
"We got together for a discussion and by the end of the conversation, we decided to build on the whole concept and get as many people to town as possible."
The cancellation of the ABBA Festival, after the announcement that Parkes Shire Council could no longer provide funding, it was a blow to the town’s morale.
"Everyone was really disappointed," Kate said.
"Events like ABBA, Bush Tucker Day and the Tractor Pull bring people to the town, and that’s what keeps places like the pub running."
Rather than mourn over the loss of the festival, the community has come together to ensure people have a reason to still come to Trundle.
"This isn’t a formal committee," Kate explained.
"It’s just a bunch of locals doing their own thing at the same time to bring people in."
The Trundle Showground will be open all weekend for camping, so there’s no excuse not to stay the night.
Kate said the weekend is all about fun, reconnecting with old friends and celebrating everything that makes Trundle special.
"It’s important for the town financially and emotionally. People love their pub and they love their town," Kate added.
Weekend highlights:
Friday, 17 October
Trundle Pink Night fundraiser – 5:30pm at the Trundle Golf Club
Saturday, 18 October
Markets – 8am to 1pm at the Trundle Memorial Hall
Live music at Trundle Hotel – 12 noon to midnight. Featuring: Gracie Denham-Jones, Amity (with a touch of ABBA), Blake Knoll (son of Shannon Knoll), and crowd favourite Balls and All from Cobar.
Trundle Children’s Centre Golf Day: An Afternoon on the Green – 1:30pm at the Trundle Golf Club
Sunday, 19 October
St Patrick’s School tour – 10am to 12pm
Live music at Trundle Services and Citizens Club – from 12pm
