Emma Pritchard
There are many popular local attractions on the Clarence Valley’s social calendar, so we decided to hit the streets during the summer holidays and ask people which events they are looking forward to attending this year…
Juliette Keppler: I took my kids to the Jacaranda Festival last year, and they absolutely loved it. We live in Queensland, so we’re all loving the opportunities to travel once more. I’d been to the Jacaranda Festival before, but last year was the best one I’d seen, and it was also the first time I brought my kids with me. They’re four and six, and they were so entranced by the crowning ceremony. They believed they were seeing real royal people get crowned, which was so exciting. I’ve promised my kids we’re all definitely coming back again this year.
Tarquin Braidy: I’ve never been to the Maclean Highland Gathering before, but it’s something which has been on my bucket list for ages. I have Scottish ancestry on both sides of my family, so I reckon it would be a pretty cool event to see. I don’t think I’ll be fit enough to have a crack at tossing the caber, but it’s something I’d like to watch for sure.
Kurt Santitch: My kids really loved going to Riverlight Ulmarra last year, so hopefully if it goes ahead again this year, I’ll bring them along. They loved seeing all the lanterns and decorations, especially my youngest. He was only three, so now that he’s older, I think he’ll be able to remember a lot more about it. I really love teaching my kids about community events and getting them involved in what’s happening around them, so we’re all looking forward to experiencing it again because it was really awesome.
Megan-Lee Brownley: Honestly, I don’t know how to answer that question. I’m not a local, but I have previously been to a lot of popular, cultural community festivities and celebrations throughout the Clarence Valley, and they’ve all been sensational. The Jacaranda Festival was totally amazing last year, and so was the Camp Oven Festival in Nymboida. It’s actually really pleasing to be spoiled for choice when it comes to attending community events throughout the year. Plus, it gives me some good excuses to travel to the area.