WHILE volunteers busily prepare Buchanan Park for tomorrow's Isa Fest, Mount Isa's rural neighbours made preparations of their own to kick up their heels for the weekend.
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The community concert has been planned to lift the burden of drought off the region's shoulder and give graziers a chance to let their hair down.
West Leichhardt station worker David Thompson, from Wollongong, is in town to help muster for the next few months.
He said it was likely to be all work and no play until the next wet season while everything was so dry.
The Aussie Helpers volunteer said even if graziers couldn't get away from their property to attend tomorrow, the offer of a free day at the event was enough to bring some positivity back into life.
``It's something to get out and off the property and just have a rollicking good night,'' Mr Thompson said.
``Just to relieve the stress, we're looking forward to it.
``I know last year I got here and we went to Lake Julius fishing one day and that was it, I didn't get another day off.
``Even if they can't make it the fact that the offer is there, often it's help enough.''
Department of Communities drought funding along with contributions from local sponsors and the Mount Isa City Council has attracted big name acts like Troy Cassar-Daly, Adam Brand and The Bridge to help people forget their drought woes.
There will be a selection of food and drink available.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for 15- to 17-year-olds.
Children accompanied by adults are free.
Admission is free for aged pensioners, but proof of ID is required. Tomorrow's event is strictly cash only.