DESPITE a drop in crowd numbers organisers of the Richmond Jubilee believe local business support for the event has grown as they recap on this year’s event.
Now in its second year, the Jubilee was this year run over two days, September 19 and 20, with visitors from across Sydney making the trip to Richmond to take part in the festivities.
The steam train attracted many families, as-well-as the market stalls in Richmond Park, while local businesses also saw a spike in trade thanks to the event.
President of Richmond Mainstreet, who organise the Jubilee, Venecia Wilson said while the cool and rainy weather impacted on crowd numbers, the overall economic impact the event had on local businesses was pleasing.
While hosting the event over two days was hoped to bring more visitors to the area, Ms Wilson believes they will stick to one day in coming years, seeing no greater benefit this year.
“Numbers were slightly down on last year, but we’re putting that down to the cooler weather and rain,” Ms Wilson said.
“We saw quite a bit more activity down towards the Magnolia Mall end of town, which was something we had planned to do and was great to see.
“A lot more shops also got involved with this year’s event, putting posters and balloons up in their front window. Cafes along the main street also did quite well out of the event,” she said.
Ms Wilson said the steam train was also a major drawcard for visitors and stressed that while their plan was to hold the Jubilee on just one day next year, the train will continue to run both Saturday and Sunday.
It was a big weekend all round for events in the Hawkesbury with the Jubilee coinciding with the Antique Machinery Rally at Clarendon.
Hundreds of old truck and machine enthusiasts camped at the Showground for the event, which showcased some of the country’s finest antique machinery.
