Lynne Mowbray Blue skies and sunshine provided the perfect backdrop on Sunday for the running of this year’s Culture on the Clarence festival, in Skinner Street, South Grafton. According to the event organisers, around 91 shops and stalls took part in the annual community event which showcases the cultural diversity of the Clarence Valley, through music, food, dance and art. Event director Casey Challacombe said that she was pleased with this year’s event which appeared to see crowd numbers slightly up on last year. “This year we had a more diverse range of ethnic foods available,” she said. “There were 10 food stalls (including two local eateries), which served up paella, African curries and Thai food.” Ms Challacombe said that it was good to see businesses thinking outside the square this year. “Inspirations Paint provided plaster painting for the children, Ford and Dougherty Real Estate was painting faces and the bakery did an ice carving. “Everyone puts on a good show.” “We’ve had incredible support from community groups such as the art club, gem club, dragon boats and the historic motorcycle club which also came this year.”