The Moonshine Trail is done after 20 years — but Dolamore Park is getting something new in its place.
Active Southland has confirmed it is ending the mountain biking and offroad running event and will replace it with a new event at Gore's Dolamore Park on Valentine's Day, February 14.
Chief executive Vanessa Hughey-Pol said the call to walk away from Moonshine Trail had been considered carefully, with a wide range of stakeholders consulted.
"Moonshine Trail was an important part of the Southland event landscape for 20 years and we are proud of the legacy created alongside the many participants, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, landowners and wider community. Thank you to everyone," she said.
Sustaining it was no longer viable. Hughey-Pol said delivery costs, shifting participation trends and the staff resource required had all played a part.
"With increasing delivery costs, changing participation trends and the significant staff resource required, it was no longer feasible for us to lead this event. We've been in talks with clubs, organisations, providers and other potential partners about leading the event, but it's clear that the current model wasn't sustainable," she said.
Active Southland is not stepping away from the Gore District. The end of Moonshine Trail has opened the door to something built specifically around Dolamore Park itself.
"We love Dolamore Park — it is an outstanding outdoor setting and we are looking forward to partnering with the many groups and organisations who use the area to showcase it to the Southland public," Hughey-Pol said.
The name stays under wraps for now. What Hughey-Pol will say is that February 14 is the date, and the concept is a broad celebration of the park.
"We are keeping the name of the new event under wraps for now, but mark down Valentine's Day, February 14, in your calendar. We are planning a celebration of everything there is to love about Dolamore Park, bringing together the people, stories, activities and natural environment that make it such a special place," she said.
February 14. Dolamore Park. Details to come.