THE Back to Bowra Festival made a triumphant return on Saturday, 15 November, with thousands flocking to the ‘The Verandah Post Town’ to join the action.
Last held in 2009 and first run in 1975, for decades the festival served as a celebration of all things Bowraville.
Saturday’s event was the result of months of effort by a hard-working local committee and the broader community.
Volunteers sprung into action early on Saturday morning to prepare High Street for the festivities ahead.
From an excellent vantage point on the upstairs verandah of the Bowra Hotel, community radio station 2NVR broadcast directly from location, with festival commentary and live-to-air interviews.
The day’s action included billy cart races, a street parade, market stalls, whip cracking, tug of war, live music and more.
The Welcome to Country was delivered by Tehnaya West, supported by Uncle Martin Ballangarry and Aunty Marjorie Buchanan.
As the parade worked its way through the street – featuring local schools, emergency services, businesses, sports groups and some impressive vintage vehicles – it was estimated that up to 4000 people were cheering on the sidelines.
Music was another major element of the day, showcasing the talents of local school students, Alicia Parry, Glen Close, FutureShock, and home town heroes Tasman Keith and Kapital J, who headlined the festival.
Workshops and demonstrations were also held at the Bowraville Theatre, Ex-Services Club, Grants Hall and Pioneer Community Centre.
Nambucca Valley Councillor Jane MacSmith volunteered on the Back to Bowra committee as Event Manager, and was full of praise for the team that brought the festival to life.
“This rag-tag bunch, full of love for Bowra, met each week in the back room of the Bowra Hotel, beer in hand, to pull together a cracker of an event,” she said.
“I’ve been a part of many committees over the years, and supporting this one has honestly been a highlight.
“I’m incredibly proud of what they pulled off and from the feedback, the community can’t thank them enough for filling the streets of Bowra once again.”
Mayor Gary Lee said the festival’s return, and the 150th celebration of the Bowraville Central School the day prior, did the town and region proud.
“Fifty years ago our school and community originally created Back to Bowra, an event where people gathered to connect with friends and to celebrate our shared heritage,” he said.
“What the Back to Bowra Committee and our school achieved to connect our community and boost the local economy was outstanding and I thank the community members involved in these events last Friday and Saturday.”
The Mayor also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Mayoral billy cart race, despite being “pipped at the post” by State Member Michael Kemp.
The event was delivered with the sponsorship of 20 local businesses, the Nambucca Valley Tourism Association and Council.
Council provided almost $5000 to the event through the Community Grants Program Round 1.
The Back to Bowra committee was Gav McKinnon, Barney Townley, Jennifer Hill, Helen Leape, Emma and Jono McLaughlin, Nerida Cowie, Dominic Reynolds, Marcia Hilery, Michael O’Neill, and the day’s MC, Tony Fuller.
By Jen HETHERINGTON
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