‘Best little town on the Downs’ celebrates
IT WAS Allora’s time to shine at the weekend as the second annual Allora Autumn Festival got under way.
The festival coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Allora P-10 State School and visitors from near and far travelled to the “best little town on the Downs”.
The weekend kicked off on Friday night with a bush dance in the school hall and festival-goers were able to bounce into Saturday with Allora’s Great Gourmet Barbecue Breakfast.
Member for the Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg was special guest and took on some Allora identities in a tortilla flip-off.
Festival organiser Christine Gleeson said the festival was developed out of a need for the community to band together.
“This is a remarkable little town and there in so much going, but all in little groups,” she said.
“So this festival is about bringing all of that together in a big collaborative effort.
“We tried piggybacking of Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz festival but that didn’t really work for us, we wanted our own festival and the Allora Autumn Festival was born.”
Mrs Gleeson said she was very happy with the crowds.
“The town is packed and everyone is very happy,” she said.
“I’ve spoken to the stall holders this morning and they are all delighted and assure me they’ll be back next time.
“Our aim is to draw in those tourism numbers further north rather than just Warwick and Stanthorpe.
“This festival recognises the history of the town and brings in the tourists to experience that.
“I have had so many nice comments from tourists already, they love the small town feel and they are all very happy to be here.”