NORTHERN Australia's largest agricultural field days event is set to return in 2021, following a tumultuous year which saw events cancelled nation-wide.
The Rotary FNQ Field Days will be staged at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds from May 26-28, with organisers promising they are prepared for any obstacle thrown their way.
It comes as Mareeba comes to life today, with Lee Kernaghan headlining the Savannah Summer Series music festival, the first major event to take place on the Tablelands since coronvirus restrictions were implemented in March.
Tomorrow, the Great Northern Bull Riding Series will be held at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds.
Incoming Rotary FNQ Field Days chair Trevor Duncan said COVID-Safe plans were in place for their event and exhibitors and guests alike could be confident the iconic event would go ahead.
"We know how vital the field days are to the exhibitors, the economy and our communities and after what 2020 has thrown at us we are hard at work planning to ensure the 2021 event meets the expectations of site exhibitors, patrons and visitors and a new COVID-Safe way," Mr Duncan said.
However, with site bookings soon to open, exhibitors have been assured that event and site cancellation policies were in place to protect their interests.
"Exhibitors can book their sites with confidence knowing everything has been thought of in terms of COVID-Safe guidelines and event procedures," Mr Duncan said.
The biennial event attracts both local and interstate guests and in 2019 more than 20,000 people attended over the three days.
Less than seven months out from the 2021 event, Mr Duncan said he expected it would be stronger than ever.
New additions to the line up next year will include working machinery demonstrations, a ladies land, a dedicated business networking tent and exhibitor BBQ to foster working relationships.
"We boast the greatest line-up of agricultural products and services and we are always thinking of new ways to raise the bar," Mr Duncan said.
"We want to make each and every field days bigger and better than the last.
"We are strong and stable and ready for next year.
"The continued growth of the FNQ Field Days, in both exhibitor bookings and attendance numbers, has proven that these field days are the most sought after in Northern Australia."
There will be three key themes to the event: rural strong, highlighting that rural Australia is open for business; are you bogged mate, which aims to help country blokes talk about mental health; and community spirit, expressing pride in where people live.