Spring has almost sprung and the second Gwydir festival for the year, the Honey Festival, is only weeks away.
This year’s Honey Festival will take place on Saturday 3rd September and festival goers will notice a number of changes to this year’s festival.
Honey Festival Committee member Sharnie Kent explains that the committee is trialling a number of new ideas.
“Firstly we have scheduled the festival earlier this year in order to avoid the heat; we are also trialling a new location at the Warialda Recreation ground in order to create a more family friendly atmosphere, this location is away from traffic and is also a more suitable location for the ‘Honey I Got Talent’ search,” Sharnie said.
The day will kick off at 11am with the official opening by MP Mark Coulton and presentation of the inaugural Busy Bee perpetual trophy, which is awarded each year to the person who has made an outstanding contribution to our community. “We have some amazing people in our town that go above and beyond to make our community a better place to live. “The Busy Bee award recognises and pays tribute to these efforts,” Sharnie said.
The presentation of the award will be followed by entertainment by local performers and community groups as well as market stalls, buskers, kids’ activities and rides, and a mums and bubs rest area.
A high tea and rose competition will also take place, showcasing some of the beautiful local spring blooms. There are three categories in the rose competition: single bloom – any colour; bunch of roses – any colour (at least six roses) and bud to full bloom—3 stages 1 variety. There will also be a People’s Choice award.
The high tea is presented by the talented ladies of the County of Burnett CWA; tickets are $20 and include lucky door prizes, sweet and savoury finger food and unlimited tea and coffee.The ladies will host four sittings: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. The high tea will be a fabulous way to enjoy the festival with friends, however, those interested in attending the high tea are encouraged to book early as tickets are limited and will sell out quickly.
The Grand Parade will commence at 3.00pm and will do a lap of the oval. All community groups are invited to enter a float or a group in the parade. At 4pm the ‘Honey I Got Talent’ talent search will kick off and will be followed by an uplifting and entertaining concert by Warialda’s local talent Benny Nelson, accompanied by drummer Tom Waller.
The talent search and concert will be the perfect end to a great day.
Spectators are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a family friendly afternoon of entertainment. Barbecue, bar and canteen facilities will be available.
For more information or to pick up an entry form for the parade, rose competition or ‘Honey I Got Talent’, or to book tickets for the High Tea please call the Warialda Visitor Information Centre on 02 6729 0046 or visit: www.warialdansw.com.au
