Organisers of the famed event say ticket sales are on track for a crowd of about 20,000 people.
It is on par with the 2019 event - the last time a physical Ute Muster was held on the plains just north of Deni.
Coinciding with the Victorian and NSW school holidays, Muster general manager Vicky Lowry said Muster-goers have been arriving in Deniliquin since early last week.
And now the event is just three days away, she said it’s getting harder for everyone to contain their excitement.
“People are excited to be able to finally return to Deniliquin and catch up with friends,” Mrs Lowry said.
“We are repeatedly being told ‘it is amazing to be back’.
“The fans are really excited about the line-up, the driving competitions, Bull Ride Spectacular, Bogan Bingo and the tradie challenge - the entire program that is offered this year, really.
“We cannot wait for our patrons to see the work that has been carried out on our site.
“The grassed areas look amazing, we have an accessible camp area and a sports arena viewing platform.
“It’s hard to choose one thing we are really looking forward to because our program has something for every age, but Bluey and the Dinosaur Show will be a hit, as will the Largest Bogan Bingo.”
As well as being a great indicator of the amazing event to come, Mrs Lowry said the early arrival of Muster-goers only helps to boost the town’s economy.
Already valued at more than $16 million to the district community annually, Mrs Lowry said the new trend of extended stays in Deniliquin before and after the event adds more to the district economy.
“Financially this is a huge benefit to our local economy,” she said.
“We are being told the reasons for arriving earlier are to not just be first in line when our gates open but to visit our Deni Ute Muster Museum, The Depot Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection and the newly reopened Conargo Pub.”
Integral to the success of this weekend’s event is the volunteers, who also develop their own skills by helping out.
“Without all of our volunteers we would not be able to proceed - from people who give up hours/days/months of their time for the love of the Deni Ute Muster to volunteers who complete two five hour shifts in return for a ticket, and the community groups who receive payment per hour for their members who volunteer.
“Our volunteers learn new skills, create friendships and become part of a team.”
The Deni Ute Muster officially gets underway from early Friday morning, but gates to the ute and camping paddocks will open Thursday.
Over Friday and Saturday there will be a huge array of entertainment, competitions and live music to enjoy - including big names like Aussie songstress Jessica Mauboy and US country music superstar Brad Paisley.
To get tickets, or for more information, go to www.deniutemuster.com.au.
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