The lawns have been mowed, the stages are set and the first of the campers have arrived.
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All is in readiness for the seventh annual Terara Country Music Campout.
The main campout will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 17-18 and feature 13 different artists and a number of poets over the weekend, again raising money for a number of local organisations including Noah’s Inclusion Services (formerly Noah’s Ark), Terara Public School, Life Without Barriers and the Starlight Foundation.
Headlining Friday night’s program will be Brian Leeton, Royden Donohue and Sharon Heaslip who will combine to perform works by artists Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline and Elvis.
Saturday night will be headlined by comedian Rodney Vincent.
Throughout the weekend there will be a host of other performers including Laura Downing, Craig Giles, Don Costa, Ernie Constance, The Coads and Jim Hermel, George Farnham, Dale Hooper, John and Christine Smith, Jeff Brown, Dean Perrett and Cameron Mason.
Poets and bush balladeers Errol Gray, Ray Essery and Freda Harvey will also perform and host the Poet’s Breakfasts both Saturday and SUnday.
For event hosts Owen and Thelma Ison it has been a busy but exciting time.
The couple’s 21-acre property at Terera transforms for the weekend into a massive campout and music venue.
The Terara property is affectionately referred to as “Owie’s World” and he hopes to top 400 caravans this year.
“People just love it and come from all over for the campout and enjoy the music,” Owen said.
“Even last year when it was too wet for the caravans to stay on the property we still had massive crowds both days.
“We had over 500 people here last year on the Saturday night to watch the great Chad Morgan and I’m thinking we will have around 1000 this year.”
He has already had people from Rockhampton, Horsham, Wagga, Cessnock, a group of 12 from the Central Coast and a bus load from Bega confirm they will be making the trek to Terara.
“We already have 25 winnebagos booked in,” Owen laughed.
“This year, if the weather holds, it’s going to be huge.”
The couple, said the event has grown substantially from their first year when they had just six performers.
“It’s got bigger and better,” Owen said.
“I think we have grown with the event as it has grown, which is a good thing.
“We have had the backing of great, loyal local band of businesses. We have never asked for sponsorship but people have been willing to help us. No one I have gone to locally has ever said no and that is something we are very appreciative of.”
As for the secret why people keep coming back.
“I just think they have a great time,” Thelma said.
“We have a number who have been here each and every year.
“We’ve met a lot of great people and had a fun time as well.”
Although, they admit they don’t actually get to see a lot of the performers at their own campout as they are “always too busy taking care of something”.
The Terara Country Music Campout is testament to Owen’s determination.
“We travelled around the country attending music festivals,” he said.
“We love it and we thought we could put on a same sort of event in our local area.”
“Owen retired and got bored,” Thelma joked.
“He came up with this idea and once he sets his mind on something there really is no stopping him.
“I initially didn't want anything to do with it - but it has been great.
“It’s incredible how it has grown and how many people come.
“Let’s face it, Owen doesn’t have any hobbies so he’s got to do something to keep occupied and have a reason to mow the grass and keep it all tidy,” she joked.
The action unofficially gets underway on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, March 13-15 from 2-5pm and 7-9.30pm for walk up artists and poets hosted by George Farnham.
Free dance lesson are also being held Tuesday and Wednesday morning, with a dance Wednesday evening and afternoon concert on Thursday from 5pm.
There will also be a performance by Terara Public School students on Friday.
Tickets are just $15 per day or $40 for the three days.
Robert Crawford
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Robert Crawford is a senior journalist at the South Coast Register, for Australian Community Media . Everyone's got a story, what's yours? Email robert.crawford@austcommunitymedia.com.au
