Rotary president Teresa Carlson said having to cancel the event two years in a row was devastating.
“The main reason is because of the unknown with COVID-19 restrictions,” she said.
“Especially with people coming from NSW, we need the borders open.
“We normally get 4000-5000 through the gate and we have to get that to cover the costs.”
She said the cancellation would have a huge effect on the Rotary club financially.
“It’s one of our key events at Rotary Park so everyone’s upset about it, but because it’s an unknown there’s not much we can do about it,” Ms Carlson said.
“I organised the golf ball drop and the charity golf day and that brought nearly $20,000 back into the community.
“We’re just going to have to do things like that to raise funds so we can work out in the community.”
The June 12-13 weekend won’t be a complete write-off though, as Rotary is planning on holding a one-day event on the Saturday.
“It’ll be on a much smaller scale. There will still be some steamers but it just won’t be what it was,” Ms Carlson said.
“It’s more about us being seen to be out there and what we are doing for the community.
“We’re hoping it will be a no-charge entry.”
The main theme will be country music, with local talent to be featured.
“Watch this space,” Ms Carlson said.
Steam Rally Echuca Moama is held annually on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, reaching its 56th year in 2019.
It features steam engines, vintage and classic cars, old motorcycles, engines and wagons, as well as live music, gourmet food and the popular ‘burning down the dunny’.
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