IT’S that time of the year again – when Gympie residents remember their gold mining heritage as ‘gold fever’ sets in.
The week-long festivities start with the Gold Rush Art Show on October 6, and concludes on October 16 with the street parade and festival at Nelson Reserve.
New Gold Rush president Jan Collins said she was keen to get the focus of Gold Rush, in its 39th year, back to the gold, with this year’s theme In the Beginning.
“In past years we have moved away from the fact that Gympie is the town that saved Queensland, and gold panning is the most important part,” she said.
“We are getting back to our roots.”
This year’s gold panning competitions will be held at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum as a part of a family fun day on October 9 and Prospectors Day on October 10, from 9am to 3.30pm.
Those serious about finding gold can arrive early and have some practise before the competition starts at noon.
The total amount of gold that can be found in the competition is worth $1000 and there is also some great prize money up for grabs.
The event will officially be opened and Gold Rush Ambassadors appointed during the Black and White Masquerade Ball on Saturday October 9 at the Civic Centre.
Battle of the Bands is back this year at Nelson Reserve 10am-3pm during the Festival in the Park on October 16. Registrations are still open for local bands to compete.
That same day the Cornett’s IGA Float Parade starts at 2.30pm in Mary Street. At 4.30pm the Battle of the Bands junior and senior winners will perform. Fireworks will dazzle from 8pm, also at Nelson Reserve.
For more information visit the Gold Rush website at www.goldrush.org.au/
Author: Carly Morrissey | Source: The Gympie Times [September 07, 2010]