By TANIA PHILLIPS
ONCE upon a time in Murwillumbah there was a banana festival.
Yes it’s that time of year again – the 58th annual Tweed Valley Banana and Harvest Festival will be in full swing this weekend with the annual parade and fun day on Saturday.
Shops are decorated and locals are getting into the festival spirit as they prepare for the big day which culminates in a parade through the main streets from the Showground down Murwillumbah Street and around the block.
The event, which gets underway at noon, culminates in the crowning of the Queens, Teen Queens and Princesses during the funday at Knox Park. The crowning will be on stage between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
Festival secretary and official photographer Paul Hart, who has been involved in every event since 1978, said this year’s theme would be “Once Upon a time” with the whole town getting into the fairy tale theme.
“We will have 30 floats this year including six queen floats,” he said.
“For the first time, we will have the Samba Blista drummers who will be near the front of the parade as well as putting on a performerance at Knox Park after the main event. The Redcliff Marching ladies are also taking part.”
Mr Hart said for the first time this year there would be a mini battle of the bands in the afternoon after the queen crowing. The event will involve bands from Murwillumbah High, Wollumbin and Mt St Patricks College vying for a recording contract.
The funday will also include up 20-25 stalls in Knox Park as well as free rides for the kids from 1.30pm. This year there will be the return of the popular banana throwing contest as well as all of the fun that makes this event unique.
The action starts to heat up on Friday afternoon with the crowing of King Cavendish and Queen Lady Finger outside Coles in Sunnyside around 4pm. The annual ball and crowing of the Charity Queen willl happen from 6.30pm on Friday night at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre.
Tip: If you are going to Murwillumbah, head down early as the main street block will be closed off after noon while the parade is on.
