Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival

We were lucky enough to be staying at the BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park over the weekend of the 2017 Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival - what a fun day out.  Even though it rained on the eve of the Festival and we had a few showers during the day it was not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of all those involved. 

There were plenty of parking spaces with a large block of land opened up along Bundabah street with a volunteer directing traffic to available spaces.  Just a short walk down Barclay Street to reach Longworth Park and the Festival activities. Cole Bros Oysters are located alongside the Park and this place was buzzing with people after fresh oysters or cooked creations on offer - they were even selling trays of fresh prawn. 

The day started with a children's fishing competition and there were still a number of young fold trying their luck from the wharf as we arrived.  Other events held during the day included:

• Wood Chopping – these commenced with a timed handicap start and some of the events featured the Australian Champion – amazing skills. You won't believe what some of their axes are worth and it is no wonder they stop when they hit a knot in the wood. A knot could ruin a $700 axe.
• Oyster Eating Competition - You pay to enter and then the names are drawn out for contestants to participate in heats. In each heat you are required to eat one dozen oysters from the shell (opened of course) as fast as possible. The fastest goes into the final where they are required to eat two dozen oysters.  A $1000 accommodation package donated by BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park was presented to the winner.  Interesting to see the different techniques used.
• River Duck Race.  You buy a duck and then they are released from a boat on the river.  First one to be carried by the tide and/or wind past the finish line wins.
• People's choice car show - a number of car clubs displayed their members' cars to be judged by visitors to the Festival
• Zumba demonstration

Of course there were a range of activities for the children plus a number of market stalls and some great food outlets. Karuah Public School and Karuah Pre-School each had outlets manned by parents of the students.  We purchased  a wonderful gluten free chocolate, nut slice from one stall and immediately went back for more to take home - delicious. Of course the Lions Club were selling great sausage, hamburger or egg and bacon rolls which were very yummy. 
 
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival and can't wait to visit again next year with some of our family in tow.