DENMAN'S loss could end up being a neighbouring town's gain.
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Following the chamber of commerce's recent decision to cancel the 2020 Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair for the second consecutive year, the once annual event - labelled the region's "biggest street party" - is now fair game for others to swoop in and host moving forward.
And, that would be a massive blow to the Denman community.
Since arriving on the calendar almost two decades ago, on the first Saturday in May, the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair has brought many visitors to the area, catering between 5000 and 6000 people on a regular basis.
It also gained the same "must-see" status as fellow tourism drawcards King of the Ranges (Murrurundi), Scone Horse Festival (Scone), Festival of the Fleeces (Merriwa) and Highland Games (Aberdeen).
But, all that might change.
"Would we consider staging something like it, absolutely?" Upper Hunter Shire Council's manager business services David Gatwood said.
"I won't discount the idea.
"Council is currently looking at different events for Kelly Street when the Scone Bypass is finished.
"That could be long table lunches, music performances or even a wine and food affair.
"Once Kelly Street is handed back to council, our goal is to showcase the town's main street.
"It will be ours to close as we see fit.
"I'll be honest, I was surprised when I heard the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair wasn't going ahead again.
"I thought now that the work on Denman's main street was complete that was one hurdle out of the way."
The Chronicle understands the Denman Chamber of Commerce's call to abandon plans for 2020 has "bitterly disappointed" some local residents and retailers.
However, no one would comment "on the record".
But, the committee defended the group's actions, saying it was due to a culmination of reasons.
"The event has grown rapidly over the years, which is wonderful, but with this comes ongoing requirements in which we are made to put in place (from liquor licensing to security)," it stated on a Facebook post.
"We hope you can all appreciate that many of the volunteers run their own business or work full-time.
"Unfortunately, the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair takes the best part of 12 months to put together.
"However, we are still very keen to organise 'something' in the near future."
The Denman Day Out, which replaced the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair in 2019, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2.
