COVID-19 did not hold back the town of Cobar this year, with local organising groups determined to run their events despite repeated interruptions and postponements.

What eventuated was one of the biggest weekends ever seen when an exhausting array of events were crammed into the weekend of 28 to 30 October.

The famous Cobar Grey Mardi Gras was combined with the traditional activities of Cobar's Festival of the Miner's Ghost resulting in a variety of events held over the weekend including:

• Stomp, Jive & Bump Dinner Dance
• Cobar Grey Mardi Gras Street Parade & Markets
• Gig on the Grass
• Mining & Trade Expo
• A Night to Remember our Lost Miners

The Cobar Grey Mardi Gras, rescheduled from April due to COVID, is all about celebrating the music, food and fashion of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The Stomp, Jive & Bump Dinner Dance, was held on Friday night 28 October, at the Cobar Memorial Service Club [RSL] and was attended by 100 people.

The night included a 1950’s,1960’s & 1970’s vibe dinner dance, from the decorations to the music and meals served all themed within the eras.

ABOVE: People dancing at The Stomp, Jive & Bump Dinner Dance [Supplied Cobar Shire Council]

"The night was an enjoyable social night with everyone participating in speed rounds of BINGO, Fashion Congo line & dance competition" Demi Smith, Tourist Manager for Cobar Shire Council told the Western Plains App.

Entertainment for the night was Royden Donohue, a musician from Nyngan, who did a surprise appearance as Elvis, and was emceed by Colby Lawrence, Cobar local.

Three highly sought after 'Silver Bob' trophies were awarded on the night for Best Dancers, Best Dressed Female & Male.

On Saturday October 29 the Cobar Grey Mardi Gras Street Parade and Market Stalls were held on the main street of Cobar, Marshall Street.

The parade included fashion parade walkers, dancers, scooters, Fergie tractors, emergency service vehicles, tandem bikes, vintage cars, vintage caravans, decorated trucks and floats.

Best in Parade received a Golden Bob which was awarded to the Coath Family Fashions.

Miss & Mr Mardi Gras were awarded with a sash each, the winners being Shaun and Toni Morse from Mudgee.

Around 500 people attended the parade and market stalls, with Toomey Tunes providing some entertainment.

ABOVE: The Cobar Grey Mardi Gras Street Parade [Supplied Cobar Shire Council]

That night the Gig on the Grass was held at the Ailsa Fitzsimmons Memorial Oval.

Demi Smith said "it was the event of the weekend", with six hours of live music with Amitie, Royden's Rock n Roll show, local band Ballz n All & The Johnny Cash Tribute show by Daniel Thompson and roughly 600 people attending.

The event included free kids amusement with jumping castles & inflatable obstacle, food trucks and local dance performances by the Copper City Dance Centre.

On Sunday the 30 October the Mining and Trade Expo was held at the Cobar Mining Heritage Park as part of the Festival of the Miner's Ghost, from 10am-1pm.

There were over 30 vendors on the day including from mining companies, mine supplier companies, local businesses and trade services, food vendors, Cobar Ambulance Service, Cobar Fire Station, local girl guides and cadets. Some other clubs that had displays included the Fergie Club and Dust Bowl Fuel Burners.

Live music was provided by local Cobar musician Shane Josephson. The children were not forgotten either with free kids amusement rides, including inflatable obstacles and jumping castles.

The Aurelia Mines Rescue Team from the Peak Gold Mine Cobar demonstrated a simulated confined space rescue, setting up a hauling system that would be used in a real rescue. Other safety equipment and devices such as snake catching kits, first aid supplies and PPE were also showcased to show people what equipment we use to safeguard people at Aurelia Metals worksites.

"Overall, it was a fantastic weekend in town. The town was very busy and had a great buzz with visitors and locals" said Demi Smith.

BELOW: The Aurelia Mine Rescue Team from the Peak Gold Mine Cobar, in action at the Mining & Trade Expo 30 October [Image Aurelia Metals]