Thousands expected for snowflake festival
THE youngsters couldn’t resist when the first snow poured into Stanthorpe Showgrounds yesterday.
The first day of Snowflakes in Stanthorpe saw big crowds pour into Maryland St to indulge in local goods and plenty of icy action while musical performers including the Granite Belt’s own James Blundell took to the stage.
The snowgrounds officially open today, but as the snow machine warmed up, onlookers stole a first glimpse at the white stuff as volunteers worked to transform the arena into a winter wonderland.
Ethan Cockle, from the Gold Coast, was checking out the event with his mum.
He was among the first to get his hands on the fresh snow, and said the experience - a first for him was great.
“It’s cold,” Ethan said. He said he was looking forward to playing on the snowfields across the weekend.
Snowflakes in Stanthorpe president Brett Boatfield said he’d been thrilled with the turnout to the event so far.
With a frosty start to the
weekend and temperatures forecast as low as -2C today and tomorrow, organisers are hoping to exceed last year’s unprecedented numbers of 12,000 people.
Mr Boatfield welcomed the response to yesterday’s sunny start to the festival.
“It’s great to see the people down there (yesterday) morning,” Mr Boatfield said.
Southern Downs mayor Tracy Dobie helped to open the festival alongside Mr Boatfield yesterday.
“I’d like to congratulate Brett and his committee for... what they’ve done to make Snowflakes in Stanthorpe even bigger than it was last year,” Cr Dobie said.
“12,000 people walked through the gates of the showground last year and we’re hoping (for) double that this year.
“We truly believe this can be one of the biggest festivals in Queensland.”
The showgrounds with snow, ice skating, human snowglobes and plenty more are open from 9am today and tomorrow on High St, Stanthorpe.
See snowflakesin stanthorpe.com.au.
We truly believe this can be one of the biggest festivals in Queensland.
— Mayor Tracy Dobie