Emma Pritchard
There was plenty of exuberance in the air on May 20 as a large crowd of over 5000 people attended the Prince Street Marketta in Grafton.
A unique collaboration between Clarence Valley Council (CVC), the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, and the Grafton Jacaranda Festival, the free and inclusive community event was a colourful and cultural celebration which united hospitality and retail businesses along Prince Street and highlighted the improved areas of growth and development within the CBD as part of the $495000 Rediscover Grafton Project which has been funded through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces Program.
Between 3.30-9pm, a section of Prince Street stretching from the Clocktower Hotel to the Fitzroy Street roundabout was transformed into a vibrant spectacle.
Featuring live entertainment by visiting and local performers, interactive activities for children, and a delicious variety of drinks and street food, the event was described as part of a grander plan for Grafton by Councillor Jeff Smith, who implored the crowd to “go forth and party hard.”
“This event represents the future for Grafton,” he announced.
“It’s all about celebrating everything that’s great about regional life, why we love it here, and why we love Grafton.”
There was an emphatic round of applause as proud Bundjalung man Uncle Ken Gordon stepped forward and delivered the Welcome to Country before he was joined on the makeshift stage by another proud young Bundjalung man Lennox Monaghan and the Garimaa Ngahri Dancers.
As daylight faded, the lively atmosphere lit up Prince Street, with many in attendance complimenting event organisers and recommending the festivity become an annual attraction.
While waiting for her nieces and nephews to have their faces painted and make up their minds about which type of street food they wanted for dinner, local mum Susie Bowman told the Clarence Valley Independent she believes Grafton needs to host more events like the Prince Street Marketta.
“Being a country township, I feel there is a window of opportunity for more family-friendly events such as this one to be held locally,” she explained.
“Any event which gives people something to look forward to and get excited about is a great concept.
“I’ve heard lots of people saying this event should become an annual event, and I whole-heartedly agree.”
When asked if it was a possibility, Councillor Smith revealed “it could be”, adding it will depend on community feedback received by council through an online survey to determine the overall success of the Rediscover Grafton Project.
For more information, please visit www.clarence.nsw.gov.au
Marketta hits the mark with Grafton community
Emma Pritchard
During the Prince Street Marketta on the weekend, the Clarence Valley Independent spoke with a number of attendees and asked them what they loved the most about the event, and if they would like to see it become a yearly attraction.
Evelyn-Rose Hunter: My favourite things were eating street food and getting my face painted to make me look like a butterfly. Yes, I want it (Prince Street Marketta) to happen again.
Mel Blanch: I love how it created a really lively atmosphere which brought Prince Street to life, and being an inclusive and family friendly event, it was great to see so many families out and about with their kids, especially on a Saturday. I think it was very well organised, very community orientated, and it had something for everyone. I’d be rapt if it became an annual event.
Joy Merritt: I think it was a wonderful concept, and I’d call it a very successful collaboration. Country towns like Grafton need more events like the Prince Street Marketta because they bring people together while supporting local businesses. I think it would work well as an annual event, or even a biannual event if that was an option.
Sonya Woodleigh: I loved watching Lennox Monaghan perform with the Garimaa Ngahri Dancers, and seeing all the children have fun throughout the night as they joined in with all the activities along Prince Street. There was such a strong feeling of pride and excitement in the community. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I’d love to see the Prince Street Marketta become an annual attraction.
Don Peters: I reckon the whole evening was a pretty big success. The live entertainment was really good, the local hospitality and retail outlets benefited from it, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I’d happily support it if it was held again.
Chantel Kelly: Wow, that’s all I can say. I absolutely loved the Prince Street Marketta, and I couldn’t pick what I loved the most about it. It was all amazing. It should definitely be held again.
Yvonne Robards: I think it was a great community event, and it was brilliant to see everyone come together on the night. Yes, I think it would be great if it was held annually.