How good is the Bundaberg Region? Really good when it comes to festivals!
Take a liberal dose of brilliant sunshine, mix in a cooling breeze straight from the Burnett River, add in platters of the freshest local seafoods, serve up to a crowd eager to enjoy the best that Bundy can offer and you have all the ingredients for Oceanfest Bundaberg.
Now in its third year, Oceanfest Bundaberg, under the guidance of the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise, continues to evolve as one of the region’s premier foodies events.
Sunrise Rotary president Peter Doohan said Oceanfest, which will be held at the Port Marina at Burnett Heads this Saturday, is simply a natural fit for the Bundaberg Region.
“All the elements to make this a successful event are right here at our doorstep. We have the seafood, we have the weather and the location, we have boutique breweries producing remarkable beverages, plenty of sponsors and we have a community that loves a day out.”
Peter said the event continues to expand in all areas with food, entertainment and attractions all achieving new highs this year.
“While the incredible array of local seafood is the cornerstone of the event we cater to a multitude of tastes with curries, pizzas and numerous food variations based largely on seafood.
“One local business that has really made huge gains in popularity and market share over the past 12 months is the Seafood Smokery.
“Their array of smoked wild caught fish is really causing more than a ripple among southern restaurants and their discerning chefs. This is a taste sensation that only continues to blossom in popularity,” said Peter.
“Oceanfest Bundaberg provides an audience for some leading environmental proponents to provide information on a number of key initiatives all aimed at protecting our pristine local marine habitats.
“I urge everyone to come and have a look at the Reef Room which is one of our new attractions and which immerses the viewer in a visual sensation highlighting the importance of the reef to our community.”
He said exhibitors will provide an array of displays to cover everything nautical from boating, fishing, beachwear and all associated water sports including sailing.
“There is a strong emphasis on family with plenty of activities and rides to keep children engaged and amused. Live entertainment has been a popular part of the event and again several musical performers have been included as part of the day’s program,” Peter.
“With the tremendous growth in popularity of the event we are looking at a crowd of upwards of 10,000 to be spread across the day. With the event running from 10am until 5pm there is an opportunity for a steady stream of visitors across the day.”
He said the Bundaberg Port Marina is a spacious location and crowds are never a problem.
“Plenty of parking and seating is available although bringing a picnic blanket or fold up chairs allows patrons to select their own locations to enjoy the event.”
Funds raised from Oceanfest Bundaberg support many local charities and community organisations, along with Ronald McDonald House which is a charity providing housing for parents who need to be accommodated close to hospitals where their children may be receiving medical care.
“Rotary is involved in numerous projects locally and on an international level. Locally we financially support groups like emergency services and recently the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is expanding locally, has been on our funding radar,” said Peter.
“The weather is set to be perfect on Saturday and we would love to see a big crowd come along and support this, the third serving of Oceanfest Bundaberg.”
