Town welcomes world's best

The parade of pilots is set to commence outside the Lachlan Street club near the lake, following the foreshores around to the rugby clubhouse.

Pilots are expected to wear their team colours to represent their country of origin.

While at Grinstead Oval pilots will join community members for competition’s official opening and welcome by Mayor of Forbes Shire Council Ron Penny followed by a meet and greet evening complete with barbecue buffet dinner.

In addition to marking the start of the international event, competition organiser Vicki Cain said the parade also aims to welcome the pilots.

“We want to welcome the pilots to Forbes,” she said.

Over 20 different nations are being represented at this year’s event.

During the parade each of the teams will dress in their team colours and carry their country’s flag.

Cr Penny encouraged all members of the community to come down for the parade and meet the pilots.

“We are trying to create the best possible image of Forbes,” he said.

“These people come from four corners of the earth. We don’t want people going away with a negative impression of Forbes…There’s nothing like a crowd to create the right vibes.”

Cr Penny said a good impression of the community during this year’s world event could help the town secure the competition again in the future.

The benefits of the competition, Cr Penny said, is that the pilots, their team members and event organisers are in town for two weeks, with some staying for three.

“By being here they are supporting Forbes, because they are staying here and eating here and I’d like to think that people will go down [to the parade] and show their support,” Cr Penny said.

Forbes Shire Council’s Marketing Manager Sarah White said parade visitors should bring Australian flags with them to help show their support of the Australian team.