Over the last couple of weeks there has been plenty to do and see around the Clarence Valley. The Maclean Twilight Rodeo went ahead successfully on December 27, at the Maclean Showground, despite the threat of rain which saw the event cancelled for the last two years. President of Lawrence Rodeo Ltd. Bruce Green was relieved that the event was able to take place this year. “It was really good, bar the weather,” said Mr Green. “You could see that the misty rain along with the roaring southerly that was blowing was going to deter some families from attending. “I admire those who came out in such horrible weather.” Despite numbers being down there was plenty of action to keep the spectators entertained. This year’s rodeo featured the introduction of the ‘King of the River’ rodeo challenge between the Clarence Valley’s three rugby league teams; Grafton Ghosts, South Grafton Rebels and Lower Clarence Magpies. Two members from each team battled it out against the clock, in an attempt to stay on their steer. Spectators laughed and applauded their footie heroes during the challenge which proved that they were definitely more at home on two legs, than four! Mr Green said that there were no injuries to the riders other than sore wrists and groin. “She (the ‘King of the River’ challenge) will be back on again next time,” he said. The annual Yamba Ocean Swim from Convent Beach to Main Beach, Yamba, was held on Monday, December 28. Yamba surf club officials were pleased with the success of the day with 180 swimmers participating in the 700 metre swim and 87 swimmers in the two kilometre event. Local swimmers to take out their age group events in the 700 metre race were Dave Fleming (40-49 years) Jesse Clare-Beresford (20-29 years), Kate Armstrong (40-49 years), Kim Elvery (50-59 years) and Jan Klien (over 70 years). In the two kilometre event Lindsay Wall (20-29 years), Joe Dougherty (30-39 years) and Helmut Klien (over 70 years) won their age groups. (For more on the ocean swim, turn to the sports section) Maclean Lions Club held their annual Brooms Head Sports Day, on New Year’s Day. The Club raised $1300 from the popular family fun day which saw visitors from Victoria and Queensland, participating in the beach events. This was the last year for Maclean Lions Club organiser Ken Crampton who retired this year from the club, but will continue to lend a hand in future events. “Everyone had a good time and the weather was good to us,” said Mr Crampton. “We had to cut it a bit short this year however due to the incoming tide.” “The Cross Fit Gym took out the tug of war event and this year we incorporated the three-year-old and under race, which hopefully will stay in place next year along with a four to seven-year-old race,” he said. The Yamba Rotary Twilight street market held in Yamba Street on January 1, saw 33 stall holders and raised $5700 for community services projects. Co-ordinator for the markets Gail Doe said that it was the best year yet for the event and she hopes that next year will be even bigger and better. “Next year we are hoping to expand into Coldstream Street and introduce more kerb side dining in conjunction with the restaurants,” she said. “We’d like to thank all the business and shops for their support.” Maclean Chamber of Commerce MacMarket Day on Saturday, January 2 drew a huge crowd into Maclean’s CBD for the annual Trash and Treasure event. Maclean Chamber of Commerce co-president Dave Cooper said that he believed the day was the best attendance so far. “There was a mass of people coming and going from 8am – noon and we believe that crowd numbers were probably 1000-2000 up on last year,” said Mr Cooper. “We’ve had an extremely good reaction from the crowd regarding the entertainment and new performer to the area ‘Jack and Molly the Wonder Dog Show’, had the audience captivated. “Maclean Pipe Band was absolutely wonderful as were the jazz band and all the buskers were very much appreciated. “One of the stall holders sold five times more than the previous year. “We have plans of extending it (the area of the market) in the future, depending on council approval.” “This is something good for the town and it helps to lift the perception of the town,” he said.