The region’s biggest party is now well and truly under way, and the Conargo Plains have come alive for the Deniliquin Ute Muster.

Ute enthusiasts, music lovers and all others simply looking to experience an amazing weekend started rolling into Deniliquin at the start of the week.

Although, many could have arrived with the Victorian school holiday influx a week earlier too.

Visitor numbers picked up as this week went on, with Wednesday’s Spirit of the Muster event in the Deniliquin CBD helping to boost excitement.

The gates to the famed Deniliquin Festival Site’s camping areas opened yesterday, and the excitement was palpable.

Those Muster goers who didn’t arrive on Wednesday could be heard coming into town from about 3am yesterday, engines revving, to be among the first let in when the gates opened at 8am.

The revving continued to echo through Deniliquin during the day as more and more ticket holders arrived in town - some towing caravans but most with their vehicles laden down with swags, camping gear and many flying flags anticipating an amazing weekend.

The festival arena opened to fans this morning, kicking off two big days of music, competitions and a huge array of around the grounds entertainment.

Muster general manager Vicky Lowry is anticipating 20,000 people on site each day.

Who knows, we may just set some new world records this year.

In the World Record Blue Singlet Count attempt tomorrow, the number to beat is 4367, which was the record set last year.

It was more than 200 better than the previous record of 4,136 in 2019.

It is hoped this year will be the year the World Record Ute Count is also bested.

It stands at 9,736, with 7,949 utes the official number from last year.

To enliven the community in the lead up to the vent, the Deni Ute Muster partnered with Deniliquin Business Chamber and Edward River Council for some special activities.

Chamber hosted a Ute Muster Business Display Competition, which was won the Deniliquin Salvation Army Store (see page 8).

Chamber also supported Edward River Council’s Spirit of the Muster display in the CBD on Wednesday.

For this event, ute owners displayed, and their vehicles took pride of place in the Deniliquin Waring Garden for the afternoon.

There were about 30 utes parked up on the garden lawn, including Ford F-100 trucks, Holden Maloos and even Suzuki Mighty Boys on show.

Fans of motoring and the ute were spoilt for choice as to what to look at first and get their photo taken with.

With vehicles from just about every decade of the last 80 years, it was wonderful to see them and the level of care and passion from their owners.

Among those invited to showcase their utes was Deniliquin’s own David Nolte.

Mr Nolte showcased two of his utes, one of which proudly displays several official Ute Muster stickers, including from the very first event in 1999.

“It was lovely to see so many get down for the day, particularly the young ones,” Nolte said.

Before the Spirit of the Muster event concluded at 4pm, Edward River Council announced the winner of its Spend & Win Competition.

Entries were earned for spending money at select local businesses between September 10 and yesterday.

The $300 Deni Ute Muster merchandise prize pack was won by Tammy King, from Melbourne.

There’s still time to get among the Deni Ute Muster action.

Tickets for the event can still be purchased on site. Just head to the portable ticket office in Bluey’s Paddock - on Moonee Swamp road adjacent to the festival site.

For more information, head to www.deniutemuster.com.au or the Deni Ute Muster Facebook page.

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Monday, 22nd January 2024

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