THE INAUGURAL Macksville Music Muster has been on the simmer all week, but things suddenly took a turn for the big-time as Vanessa Sanger banged out the Tammy Wynette anthem.
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While Stand by Your Man may no longer be quite politically correct, there was nothing but joy and adoration for this classic given due justice by Vanessa, a driving force together with Rotary for this festival of country.
While the crowd swayed, jigged, and cheered with enjoyment - the main stage was ringed - corral-like - by a posse of motorised steeds, caravans if you like.
In all shapes and sizes they were, including a cute little retro can from days long gone - as the travelling nomads had come from all parts for this extravaganza, including from north of 'the border'.
Rod Edwards, from Macksville Rotary and a driver of the event, predicted attendance to peak tonight and through into tomorrow.
"We're expecting a few more vans to roll in tonight and tomorrow morning. Even if you're here just for tomorrow you will see a pretty fair chunk of the big artists," Rod told the Guardian.
The Muster will have significant and telling spin-offs for the Valley. There's a swag of prizes on offer from local businesses - and to enter, Muster attendees simply drop receipts from goods and services bought in town into a barrel. This will enable the organisers to get a clear picture of the economic boost the event will provide to the Valley.
The other beneficiary is the local charity ValleyCAT - an early intervention program which identifies and supports children with learning challenges.
"We need to have a steady flow of income for the therapists who deliver the program, and we hope the Muster will do that," Rod said.
"Royal Far West has in past helped with identification of the kids who need support and we plan to build on that capacity by engaging with our local therapists.
"One of the biggest problems we find for kids is poor speech, and in extreme cases, they can be virtually non-verbal. This can lead to bullying, social isolation and just being left behind."
Remaining Program:
Friday: 2pm-6pm Bob Howson Main Stage, with Kate Hindle, Vanessa Sanger, Brendan Smoother, Graham Howle, Matt Scullion, Steve Passfield and Errol Gray. 7pm-10 pm Rob Breeze Main Stage, with Lach McKay, Gottani Sisters, Larry Cann, Paul Crowder and Glen Albrecht.
Saturday, March 30: 7am-9am Bush Poets Main Stage. 9am-12pm Graham Howle Main Stage with Brendan Smoother, Dianne Coombes, Rob Breese, Bob Howson and Errol Gray. 1pm-6pm Gottani Sisters Main Stage, with Paul Crowder, Matt Scullion, Dianne Coombes, Kate Hindle, Steve Passfield, Lach McKay, Glen Albrecht, Larry Cann and Vanessa Sanger. 7.30-9.30pm Slim Dusty Tribute Band Main Stage.
Sunday, March 31: 9am-11am Main Show Artists - Gospel section Main Stage. 11am-12pm Salvo Country Band.
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