Tweed Valley Banana Festival mascot Banana Jim is all dressed up and ready to go for the 57th annual festival, kicking off in Murwillumbah on Friday.
Gone is the tired, baggy banana of recent times, with the iconic mascot now looking pretty fine, according Festival co-ordinator Carol Mudge.
“Yes he has had a bit of a skin peel in recent months,” she laughed.
“He’s had a bit of work done, a bit of “lycra-botox” thanks to a lovely lady called Heather out in the valley and he’s ready for the big festival. Actually his wife Sugar Sue is a bit jealous now, but she’s next, as soon as the festival is over.”
All joking aside, Carol said the festival is ready to go.
“There is a great feeling in the office,” she said.
“We are all very busy but we are all pumped. We have nine Queen candidates this year and 17 teen queens – a huge influx of girls wanting to be part of the festival. There are 42 juniors too – it’s the largest number of entrants for quite a few years.
“Everyone is busy fundraising and attending all of the events and really getting behind the festival.”
While a performing Arts concert was held on Tuesday night, this year’s event will be officially opened tomorrow with a fashion parade at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre from 6.30pm.
However, the event will really kick up a notch next weekend, with Show N Shine Deli Tweed Banana Festival Ball on Friday night, August 24 at Plantation House, Duranbah on the Tweed Coast. The event will also feature the crowning of the charity queen.
On Saturday, the main streets of Murwillumbah will come alive to the sound of the annual street parade – led off this year by 30-40 Harley Davidsons. The Starlight Riders are a group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts consisting of members from TCAMC (Tweed Coast American Motorbike Club), the Daytona power sports and the Aussie Post Harley Owners, who raise money NOT only for the Starlight Foundation but also for our local Palliative Care.
The Riders will lead the IGA & Bray Park Fuel and Mechanical Street Parade this year and then they will be on display for everyone to come and see in the Knox Park car park.
“Our 2012 chaperones will be riding through the parade on the bikes this year,” Carol said.
The main day will also include a family fun day, with free rides for the kids.
