By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE Southern Downs is festival central this weekend with several major events expected to draw thousands to the region.
The first weekend in July will start with a bang, with the ‘Snowflakes in Stanthorpe’ festival, round two of the 2016 Brisbane Camperland Queensland Road Team Series (QRTS), and the Historic Queensland Motor Race Meeting all happening this weekend.
‘Snowflakes in Stanthorpe’ turns Stanthorpe into a winter wonderland from Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July .
Southern Downs Regional Council mayor Tracy Dobie said ‘Snowflakes in Stanthorpe’ was a unique festival.
“This year’s winter festival offers a full program of exciting events and activities for the young, the young at heart, and everyone in between seeking a special winter experience,” she said.
“Although the promised snow earlier this week didn’t amount to much, you can be sure there will be plenty of snow, albeit man-made, at the festival this weekend.
“Snowflakes in Stanthorpe really capitalises on Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt’s reputation as being the cold capital of Queensland.
“It attracts visitors to the area, which will improve business outcomes, not only for the tourist operators, but also for the main street traders of Stanthorpe, and it’s great to see the fantastic, festive, winter atmosphere reflected in the window displays in town.
“It’s also important to recognise the enormous efforts of the organising committee and volunteers to bring such a fabulous festival to fruition. It takes a lot of time, energy, passion and commitment, and I’m sure this will be rewarded through the support of locals and the many visitors expected to attend,” Cr Dobie said.
Snowflakes in Stanthorpe will be officially opened by James Blundell and town crier Bob Townshend on 1 July, at 1pm in the piazza, with a street carnival of winter-themed entertainment, food and fun.
For cycling and motor enthusiasts, round two of the 2016 Brisbane Camperland QRTS cycling event will be contested in Warwick, along with the Historic Queensland Motor Race Meeting on Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July.
The Warwick-based cycling event will see a total of 26 teams visit the region, made up of 18 men’s teams and eight women’s teams competing in individual and team time trials, road races and criteriums.
Since its inception in 2010, the Brisbane Camperland QRTS has been a key development event for club and national riders looking to take the next step towards competing in the National Road Series and progressing to the grand tours of Europe.
The Historic Queensland Motor Race Meeting will provide two full days of on-track action at Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick, with formula cars, pre-’60s cars, sports cars and touring cars.
Cr Dobie said it was great to see professional cycling events considering the Southern Downs region as a destination for major events, and Morgan Park continuing to be a drawcard for motoring events.
“These types of events encourage people to visit the region and once they receive excellent customer service and enjoy the natural beauty of the region, we hope that they return with family and friends,” she said.
“Those participating in both the Brisbane Camperland QRTS and Historic Queensland Motor Race Meeting will bring support crews, family and friends, and that will result in welcomed visitor expenditure into our local economy.”
The Warwick Potters Association will host a craft market in Leslie Park, Warwick, on Sunday from 9am to 4pm to welcome competitors and their support crews, family and friends, and of course Southern Downs residents, and will run in conjunction with the Brisbane Camperland QRTS Criterium event happening on Sunday.
Cr Dobie highlighted that in addition to the craft market there would be an array of food and beverages, entertainment by our wonderful local musicians ‘Aperitif Jazz Ensemble’ and children’s activities.
“I’d really encourage locals to support the cycling and motor race events and to head along to the markets which will showcase Warwick’s unique hospitality and the local arts and crafts of the many talented people who live in the Southern Downs and beyond,” she said.
“This weekend certainly serves up plenty for visitors and residents to see and do, and is a wonderful prelude to our region’s next major seasonal offering, the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, which is now in its 13th year and will run from 21 to 31 July.
“These events and festivals, along with the multitude of other attractions and tourist experiences, really add to the diverse cultural and recreational fabric that makes the Southern Downs such a terrific place to live, work and unwind,” Cr Dobie said.
For further information and program details visit:
* Snowflakes in Stanthorpe: snowflakesinstanthorpe.com.au
* 2016 Brisbane Camperland QRTS – round two Warwick www.qld.cycling.org.au/QRTS/RD-2-Warwick
* Historic Queensland Motor Race Meeting: www.hrcc.org.au
