Community comes alive at Laidley Spring Festival
It was a celebration of colour, community and retro revival at the weekend’s 62nd annual Laidley Spring Festival.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the three-day event was a resounding success and attracted record crowds to the region, with preliminary estimates showing an increase of 10 to 15 per cent across individual events
“This year’s Laidley Spring Festival really did exceed all expectations, and we were totally blown away by the attendance and support!
“The weather couldn’t have been better with the stunning spring sunshine providing the perfect backdrop for our incredible makers, creators, producers, artists, musicians, and of course, unforgettable food to take the spotlight.
“Elmo and Cookie monster were a huge highlight and had the Recreation Reserve packed with our littlest of attendees boogie-ing away.
“Matt Golinski’s beef ragu and gnocchi was nothing short of inspiring, while Geed Up wowed a crowd of all ages with powerful and upbeat performances on the Saturday.
“The community expo had the Garden Precinct full of activity on both Friday and Saturday, while Sunday was filled with laughter and smiles at Bee Happy Day,” Mayor Milligan said.
Saturday saw crowds line Patrick Street for the Street Parade, where Laidley District Cricket Club took out the title of Grand Champion Float. The Parade boasted a total of 28 entries including floats, vintage cars and tractors, walking community groups, roving entertainers and marching bands.
“Congratulations also must go to the Supreme Car winner of the Show ‘n’ Shine, Dean Webb with his 1963 Ford Thames Custom Van, beating more than 160 other vehicles to take home the trophy.
“Sunday’s Bee Happy Day was again an incredible success, with crowds swarming in Forest Hill to enjoy the Makers Markets, circus and balloon-making workshops, a bubble disco and children’s craft activities.
“Overall, the event drew thousands of attendees and proved yet another major success for vendors, entertainers, organisers and our amazing volunteers.
“The community said loud and clear how much connection means to them, and it was incredibly special to see so many residents out and about, and welcome visitors.
“I’m also very grateful for the support of our staff, media partners and sponsors, along with the countless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the event so successful,” Mayor Milligan said.
Congratulations to this year’s parade winners, who were:
Grand Champion: Laidley District Cricket Club
Best Children’s: Laidley District State School
Best Sporting Group: Laidley District Cricket Club
Best Community Group/Cultural: Laidley Garden Club
Historic/Motor Vehicle Group Float: Laidley Pioneer Village
Best Business Float: Laidley Shoez
To win a two-night luxury staycation at Valhalla Glamping, including daily breakfast hampers and a damper making kit, simply fill out the survey at: https://ierpty.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FZOiDWYInsB6zY
For further information, contact Council on 1300 005 872 or visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au
