Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
THE Shoalhaven River Festival held over the weekend has been a hit with organisers estimating 20,000 people came along.
That number represents double the turnout for the inaugural festival held last year.
From Saturday morning’s street parade to Sunday afternoon’s Duck Dash, locals showed up in their thousands to enjoy a “pop-up” marina, markets, music, dragon boat races, vintage boats, canoe polo and fireworks.
Both event organiser Lyn Locke and Shoalhaven Tourism Board chair Catherine Shields said the Saturday evening fireworks were the hit of the festival.
Held on the river, with crowds lining the banks and the bridge, the event had broad appeal.
“Seeing people from all walks of life cheering at the fireworks and calling out, ‘Go Nowra!’ was really fantastic,” said Ms Shields.
“It was the best thing we could have done,” said Mrs Locke adding that the finale was simply stunning.
“It was like a whole heap of gold stars falling down on the river.”
While the fireworks was the single most popular event at the festival, attracting approximately 15,000, other events were also well-attended.
“The marina was absolutely smashed,” said Ms Shields.
“Everybody loved walking around on the pop-up marina and the addition of a seaplane made it more magical.”
Jervis Bay Wild offered free river cruises and South Coast Sea Planes held joy flights.
The market stalls were a hit with stall holders commenting it was one of the best days they had had.
The Saturday afternoon’s entertainment catered for all ages with The LALAs for youngsters and two of The Voice’s singers for older folk.
For Ms Shields the value of the festival lay in the number of locals who came along and had a good time.
“It sends the message we’re on the right track,” she said.
“The festival is all about instilling community pride and bringing people together.
“You start off at grassroots level with the endorsement of locals and rely on them being proud of themselves and taking on the festival as ambassadors.
“Hopefully the tourist aspect will become bigger as the event grows.”
Festival patrons have been forthcoming with suggestions for next year’s event with ideas such as dinner on the river, a triathalon and paddock to plate events all under consideration.