Emma Pritchard
The melodic vocals of some of Australia’s star performers including Melissa Bajric, Jamie Davis, Bev Branson, John Lynch, and Jade Hurley OAM, mingled with the heartfelt cheering and rounds of applause from members of the audience, resonated across the paddocks of Wendy Gordon’s property in Ulmarra over the weekend as more than 650 guests attended the Clarence Valley Country Muster Christmas in July special celebration.
After the much-loved local country music festival was unfortunately cancelled on multiple occasions in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and inclement weather, Ms Gordon said it was wonderful to see so many happy and smiling attendees pass through her front gates for the four-day event, adding the atmosphere was filled with excitement.
“We probably had about 275 caravans on site, which was great, and it shows that our numbers are starting to grow again,” she revealed.
“I’m very fortunate that I know nearly everyone who comes in by their first name, and it’s been wonderful to welcome back visitors who have been supporting this event from the beginning.
“We were also blessed with good weather and lots of sunshine, and while I was a little worried that the ground may have been a bit soft a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t have wished for better conditions.”
Now in its nineth year, Ms Gordon said the Clarence Valley Country Muster is held in high esteem by the Ulmarra community, with the event making significant contributions towards tourism and the economy within the riverside village.
“All the money stays local, and that is really important for us as a small community,” she explained.
“Each time we host the Clarence Valley Country Muster, we try and source everything locally.
“Visitors who come for the event also go shopping in Ulmarra, and they also go on day trips throughout the Clarence Valley.
“Everyone who comes here has a great time, and that’s what we love to see.”
Describing the Clarence Valley Country Muster Christmas in July special celebration, which ran from July 25-28, as a huge success, Ms Gordon revealed the local country music festival will return with a different line-up of performers in October, adding she already has “10 pages of bookings.”
While the dates are yet to be confirmed, Ms Gordon is once again looking forward to welcoming a large number of visitors to her property.
The Clarence Valley Independent will publish the dates of the upcoming Clarence Valley Country Muster as soon as they are confirmed in an upcoming edition.