By Emily-Rose Toohey
Over the past few weeks, the Southern Downs region has played host to a variety of both tourist attracting and community spirited events.
After an uncertain start to the year with Omicron cases rising rapidly in the state, a number of scheduled shows and events were postponed or cancelled.
However, this turned around with the arrival of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival in late February.
Apple and Grape president Russell Wantling said that although they are still working out the exact attendance figures, he thinks it was between 50,000 and 60,000 people.
“With all the problems that we had with the floods and Covid, people were just happy to be out,” Russell said.
“Everyone had a smile on their faces and we got no negative feedback.”
He said that all in all the committee did a pretty great job.
“Everyone’s so positive – it’s great.”
Shortly after Apple and Grape wrapped up for another two years, attention was turned to Warwick with its Agricultural Show.
However, Warwick Show Chairman John Maher said that attendance was slightly down this year due to ongoing occurrences in the world.
“We’ve got no exact figures yet,” John said.
“We thank our volunteers and sponsors, because without the hard work they put in we wouldn’t have a show.”
He said that it is great for people to get out and about and feels that the recently lifted Covid restrictions would have attracted more people.
“We did what we could and are anticipating next year’s show with less travel restrictions,” John said.
A week after the Warwick Show, all eyes were on CelticFest.
CelticFest spokesperson Alexander Manfield said 500 people bought tickets on the day and 6,200 pre-bought them.
“Then there’s the volunteers and pipe band people on top of that,” Alexander said.
Another CelticFest spokesperson Pamela Clark-Dickson said they think it is really important, especially after Covid-19, to have events like CelticFest that attract visitors to the Southern Downs.
“We also encouraged people to see other places in the region,” Pamela said.
Furthermore, Alexander said that they tried to make the festival feel both Celtic and regionally specific.
“Overall it was a great outcome and we tried to promote local produce,” he said.
“It’s definitely happening again next year and will mark 100 years of Warwick Thistle Pipe Band.”
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) Mayor Vic Pennisi said that these events are always a positive draw card.
“The sounds of those buses coming, wine glasses clinking, and vehicles humming down Cunninghams Gap is the sound of a strong economy,” Cr Pennisi said.
