With nearly eight and a half thousand people packed in to the Glen Willow complex on Sunday afternoon, it was only natural that the town itself would be pumping and businesses all along the main streets would see a visitor spike.

Mid-Western Regional Council mayor, Des Kennedy, was proud of how Mudgee and the region welcomed the footy-loving crowds.

“On field it was a pretty good game, if the bush boys got a finish it would have been a fairytale ending, but everything was great,” he said.

“The crowd was really good, all the administrative elements worked well and the town has been a-buzz since last Thursday.

“Wineries and the entire region had a massive day Saturday and the shops and cafes have done very well out of it all. Couldn’t wish for more and it’s a pity we can’t have it every year.”

Cara George, Mudgee Region Tourism’s CEO, was impressed with how massive the weekend was for the town and region.

“The town was pumping with both the last City-Country and the Gooree Cup and I think it’s testament to regional events and major events boosting interest and passion from locals and visitors,” she said.

“It has increased the visitor economy and gave it a good boost as well.”

She also believes that more bumper weekends like City-Country need to be inked into the event calendar for the region’s future.

“Major events are a key to a destination’s success, so if we keep the momentum and enthusiasm in trying to attract those major events it’s hugely beneficial for the town,” she said.

With massive crowds, the infrastructure of the town came under query from some locals, and the Mid-Western Regional Council has put the suspension bridge leading to Glen Willow under the microscope.

“The bridge may not have been designed for the numbers, but that’s the only negative from the whole weekend,” Mayor Kennedy said.

That issue, however, is already on the list and the construction team that installed it will be working on it later in the week.

“We had the general manager, Brad Cam, inspecting it while it was under load and he was on the phone Monday morning to get the problem fixed,” he added.

Overall, the town and region thrived with the influx of travelers, tourists and fans that descended on Glen Willow and Mudgee.

The weekend can only be described as a success, and the town will now wait with bated breath to hear what new event is on the horizon.