RECREATIONAL vehicles have started arriving in Cohuna, where at least 250 people will come together for a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Solos Network rally from November 8 to 15.
Around 100 members of the network have already arrived and set up camp early in order to take advantage of the Big Cohuna Festival.
Rally organisers have adopted a Mexican theme for the event, with lots of sombreros and ponchos already around the town.
The visitors have received permits to camp at several Cohuna locations, including the extension of the RV camping area, the northern end of the tennis club courts, the pony club grounds and the old sawmill site.
The visit should provide a welcome boost to the local economy, with the travellers taking part in a range of activities and looking to spend up big, during their visit.
Assistant rally manager Lynne Rees said the network was made up of friendly, fun-loving people who enjoyed socialising and liked to spend money.
“For our rallies we always pick small towns that can use the money,” Ms Rees said.
“We usually find out about local charities and have a raffle to raise funds for them.”
Ms Rees said the solos network, which has around 800 members Australia wide, consisted of solo travellers, who get together to have fun and support each other on the road.
“We’ve all had families or businesses and now we’re ready to just enjoy life really,” Ms Rees said.
“We’re into line dancing, rock and roll and living life to the fullest.
“And they’re just lovely people. It’s a very supportive group.”
Activities planned for the event include cruises along Gunbower Creek, tours to sites around the district, barefoot bowls sessions, tennis matches, evening gatherings, dances and performances.
There will also be a market and open day at Cohuna Recreation Reserve, from 9am to 2pm on Sunday, November 10, when residents will be able to set up stalls and also explore the various vehicles at the site.
Gannawarra Shire Council mayor Lorraine Learmonth said the rally would be one of the biggest events the area has hosted since the recreation reserve was used as a campsite for Murray Marathon participants in 2010.
Cr Learmonth said funds raised by the Campervan and Motorhome Club from the event would be donated to the Cohuna Fire Brigade and the Gannawarra Giving Account.
