A CONVOY of trucks laden with water, hay, food and toys will descend upon Denman this weekend to put a smile on residents' faces before Christmas.
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Concerned about the plight of the men and women on the land in the region, On The Bandwagon is set to base itself at the pony club grounds in Bell Street on Saturday, December 14, from 2pm.
There, during the aptly-named A Day Out for the Farmers, the selfless volunteers will distribute the goods among locals from Uarbry, Denman, Jerrys Plains, Martindale, Sandy Hollow, Cassilis, Merriwa, Bunnan and Muswellbrook.
The special event, co-hosted by the Denman Lions Club, also boasts activities planned throughout the afternoon, according to president Steven Carter.
"We'll have something for the children and adults, from music to comedy, face painting, a jumping castle, a water cart and much more," he said.
"There'll be a couple of hairdressers offering to pamper the ladies as well.
"Santa will hand out gifts to kids, up to the age of 12, too.
"Lions is supplying a free barbecue meal and soft drinks.
"Meanwhile, the Denman Men's Shed will open its doors for visitors arriving early.
"A Day Out for the Farmers is free for the farming families - and is a BYO alcohol event.
"We're aware of more than 70 attending [at this stage].
"Our NSW Rural Fire Service brigade members have also been invited.
"We'd like them to enjoy the afternoon, too."
On The Bandwagon first made its mark in September 2018 when the organisation dropped off seven tonnes of stock feed and four of water, food hampers, clothing and other living essentials at Dunedoo.
Since then, it's made relief runs to country towns across New South Wales and Queensland.
"We're very appreciative they're coming to Denman," Mr Carter said.
"There are a lot of desperate people out there.
"We put on a similar event last year at Merriwa, but opted for Denman this time.
"On The Bandwagon is a wonderful group from the Central Coast, led by Gayna Harvey, who we've worked with before.
"They have generously offered to bring joy to farming families this festive season.
"And, we're overwhelmed by their assistance.
"We know how the farmers are feeling, so it's humbling for us to see that support [from On The Bandwagon] first-hand.
"The local community's dug deep, too.
"We recently received more than 100 presents from Denman Public School."
