Entertainment
19 November, 2021
Babinda Harvest Festival
October saw the return of the Babinda Harvest Festival after the 2020 celebrations were cancelled due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.
This was only the third cancellation in the festival’s 59-year history.
Two previous cancellations were caused by Cyclone Larry in 2006, and a visit from the Cobb & Co Coach in 1988. This year’s festival saw beautiful weather, resulting in a large crowd visiting Babinda throughout the day. The morning began with street market stalls and entertainment, followed by the popular Grand Parade through Munro St at 3pm. The theme for this year’s festival was Under the Sea and parade participants and local shop owners all contributed to the festivities by decorating shops and floats in an underwater theme. Babinda Community Bank - Bendigo Bank won the prize for best dressed premises.
Babinda Harvest Festival Queen was won by local girl Casey McRae, with Isabella Bostock being crowned Miss Community Spirit. The Festival Queen entrants were pivotal in fund raising for the Harvest Festival by holding a very successful High Tea, Duck Dash and Cabaret Ball.
The annual Babinda Tractor Pull was also a drawcard with a mind-blowing collection of tractors travelling to Babinda for the entertaining competition. From state of the art machines to original vintage specimens – it was a great way to spend some time watching them do their stuff!
After dark Bill Wakeham Park came to life for the huge crowd, with a fabulous line up of live music on the main stage, a collection of inflatable rides for the kids topped off by a fantastic fireworks display and cane burn. This year’s Festival had an extra special feel as the community was able to get together after a long hiatus.
Babinda is already counting down the days till next year’s celebrations.
