Rumbling of traffic that is the usual sound of the Bruce highway was replaced with the sound of music and laughter from thousands of people at the 25th Childers Festival.
Cultures from across the country and overseas were celebrated in the joyous atmosphere on Sunday.
While different foods from every part of the globe added to festivities as family and friends enjoyed the marvellous tastes that make Childers the multicultural community it is.
Emma and Mark Hansen with their children Islay, Callum and Annabella enjoyed the atmosphere; with Emma saying it had been a few years since they had attended the Childers Festival and they were blown away by the excitement it created for the children this time.
“We are already having such a wonderful day, there is so much to see and do,” Emma said.
“It’s the perfect family atmosphere, and you just follow your nose and see what delicious food stall it takes you to.
“It’s really fantastic to come out to events like this, especially after COVID.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Childers Festival was a mix of food, fun and festivities that wrapped the community together for a fantastic event.
“It’s a fantastic roll out of culture and diversity, showcasing a food and entertainment spectacular, with over 300 stallholders here today,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Everybody is here enjoying themselves with kids and families having a fantastic time at the iconic festival that closes the Bruce Highway so that our community can come out and celebrate together.
“The entertainment has it all, from the salsa dancers right through to The Killer Queen Experience – definitely something for everyone.
“It’s a wonderful break from COVID to see the community come together, and a big credit to all the sponsors and volunteers who have made this possible.”
Deputy Mayor Bill Trevor thanked the community for turning out to celebrate the 25th Childers Festival.
“It’s great to see so many families walking around with smiles on their faces,” Cr Trevor said.
“So many people put so much effort into making this festival happen.
“I would like to think we could carry on for another 25 years for the community to keep attending and enjoying the festival.”
Pub Rock Choir members belted out tunes to entertain the crowds outside three of the locals, with choir director Laura Lingwood saying it was the perfect opportunity to attract new members to join.
“All the members have been really excited about attending the Childers Festival, it’s a fun pub crawl event for us,” Laura said.
“It’s our fourth time performing as part of the Childers Festival, and it’s great to watch the people stop when they see us gathered in front of one of the three pubs to sing the five songs.
“Then they ask which pub we are off to next and follow us as we go!”
Creative Region’s Wendy Zunker said overall the four days of the 25th Childers Festival was magnificent, and it showed what the local community was made of.
“The weather was beautiful, and people seemed in great spirits throughout the festival,” Wendy said.
“A lot of people also came from out of town and stayed for the four days, which is great for our region.
“Millennium Park was full of activity all day with children enjoying themselves, and people just loving life!”
Wendy said she had heard “rave reviews” on all of the Childers Festival events, and the compliments were reassuring of the success.
“The Opera by the Lake was perfect,” she said.
“There have been many compliments about each of the events.
“It was a spectacular setting on the lake with a casual and colourful atmosphere, that was well enjoyed by all who attended.”
