The event was a casualty of the June long weekend flood last year and two later attempts to hold the night were also rained out.

To avoid wet weather, the school’s P and C president Janine Thomson said organisers had rescheduled future events for late in August.

The 17th annual cracker night is on this Saturday night.

“We’ve got everything organised except the weather,” she said.

The event will follow a tried and tested formula that has seen it become a popular attraction for families.

Amusements, face painting, the Amazing Jonathon, refreshments, a 10-pin bowling alley and a temporary tattooist are on this year’s program.

But the main attraction is, of course, the fireworks display.

Organisers hope the event will raise $10,000 for literary and classroom resources for Mt Kanwary school.

“People can bring a blanket and a picnic and there’s plenty of entertainment on offer from a 10-pin bowling alley to the traditional face painting, hoopla and rides,” Ms Thomson said.

“And we’ll have a big auction again and the monster raffle.”

A free supper will follow the fireworks.

Ms Thomson said the event was an opportunity for prospective students and their families to see the school and meet other parents.

The school’s 48 enrolments must increase to 52 in the next school year to ensure it retains all teachers.

But the popularity of the event lies in its old-fashioned carnival charm.

Ms Thomson said families travel from Newcastle and Singleton to the Osterly venue for an affordable night out.

Cost is only $20 for a family of two adults and four children and it starts at 4pm.

And wild weather doesn’t deter the crowd.

“Even though last year we had to postpone it three times, we still got 400 people through the gate,” Ms Thomson said.