In good news for foodies, TasteFest on the Manning will go ahead in 2021 albeit a few months later than usual.
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The event, hosted by Taree Lions Club, will be pushed back to Saturday, March 27 from its normal mid-January date due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Taree Lions Club's Phil Grisold said the event was going to take place in January but given the current climate, crowd sizes wouldn't be able to be controlled.
In recent years it has attracted patrons from across the Mid Coast, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.
"We've got a good plan in place that is adaptable and flexible," Mr Grisold said.
"It's better to have lots of people come rather than a select few so having it in March is looking good for us to get the community to TasteFest."
Mr Grisold said MidCoast Council and vendors was supportive of the decision. Events of this scale are obviously not put together overnight.
"The committee has been working on it all year," Mr Grisold explained.
"We're having monthly meetings, and there will be more work in the final six months then it's full on two months out."
Holding the event in January ensures patrons can dine on the riverbank on a 'balmy evening', with vendors typically staying open until 9pm. The Lions are happy to try the new date but with temperatures starting to drop at that time, other weather factors could come into play.
"The heat doesn't impact on crowds but rain can," Mr Grisold said.
He was excited to incorporate the Riverstage into the event.
Plenty of volunteers remain onboard to bring to event to life but there's always room for more.
To get involved, contact the Lions Club via the TasteFest Facebook page.
Meanwhile Manning River Rowing Club's annual Taree Summer Regatta, which is traditionally held on the same day as TasteFest, is still listed on the Rowing NSW calendar.
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