In what was close to perfect weather, Brennan Park and the Pumicestone Passage foreshore came alive on New Year’s Eve when visitors from across the region flocked to Bribie Island for the afternoon and evening markets festival which culminated in a combined fireworks display from both the island side and the Sandstone Point Hotel.
This family orientated event was organised by the Bribie Island District Community Appeal (BIDCA) and featured a diverse range of market stalls as well as entertainment for both adults and children. As well as a slide, jumping castle and mini train, children had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the alpacas, ducks, goats and piglets from the visiting animal farm and the farm’s two little horses were kept busy taking their young riders around the park.
During the day, DJ Peter Sharp provided a really great range of music and the Celtic Fiddlers kept the music coming into the evening. Both the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Lions Club of Bribie Island were on hand with their tasty burgers and sausage sizzle. Due to New Year’s Eve being a working day for many, a lot of people never arrived until later in the afternoon but by nightfall the area was filled with families who were all seen to be enjoying the festivities. One report has suggested that by the time that the fireworks commenced, a crowd of well over twenty five thousand lined the foreshore. The large attendances were even reported in The Sunday Mail and, as was suggested, the lack of any similar events between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast could very well have been the reason for the added crowds.
The New Year’s Eve family celebrations and fireworks have now entertained locals and visitors for seven years and BIDCA President Sharon Parsons has thanked all who contributed to make the event a great success. ‘The Moreton Bay Regional Council along with the Mayor and regional councillors have provided very generous sponsorship to enable us to provide residents of the Moreton Bay region and visitors with safe, family friendly markets, entertainment and fireworks,’ said Mrs Parsons. ‘State Member for Pumicestone, the Bribie RSL Sub-Branch and the Vietnam Veterans Association are also valued sponsors of the day and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to them all as well to the members of BIDCA for their dedicated efforts. I look forward to seeing everyone back again on December 31st this year,’ she added.
