By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE is set to receive a major economic boost as the city prepares for its biggest weekend of the year.
Headlined by the annual Autumn Festival and several major sporting events, Armidale will draw more than a thousands visitors from across the state.
Armidale Sports Council president Steve McMillan said more than 850 people would be in town from two tournaments, a junior basketball event and a rugby union carnival.
“The numbers say that more than $1 million will be spent in the town this weekend from sporting visitors,” he said.
The Armidale Cup on Monday is the jewel of the crown as trainers from throughout northern NSW bring their horses for the $35,000 feature race.
The Armidale Knockout rugby tournament at Moran Oval will see teams travel from the coast and across the region.
Division two of the Northern Junior Basketball League will bring more than 30 teams to the city, while the Northern Tablelands AFL Cup at Bellevue Oval will bring more than 100 players to town.
The Armidale Greyhound Racing Club is staging a 10-race meeting on Saturday, while Northern Tablelands Orienteering is hosting a state round on Saturday and Sunday, which is expected to involve almost 200 people.
Traditional Autumn Festival events, the Campus to City Canter and Cycling Criterium will be staged on Saturday.
The canter starts at the University of New England at 8am and culminates at Civic Park.
After the event was cancelled last year due to roadworks, the CBD criterium celebrates its 10th year.
A hot field of cyclists are expected to take part in the races, which start at 8.30am and finish at noon.
More than $3000 is up for grabs across the five divisions.
Armidale Dumaresq Council tourism and economical development manager Tony Broomfield said the weekend would cap off a great three weeks for the city.
“March is becoming a great event period for Armidale, starting with A Day on the Green, the Armidale Show and then the Autumn Festival,” he said.
“The atmosphere should once again be terrific.”
