Sponsors sought for Oyster Festival

Sponsors are being sought for the 9th annual Brisbane Water Oyster Festival in November.

Festival chairperson Ms Debra Wales said the organising committee was asking local businesses to sponsor an entrant for the Oyster Festival Queen event which raised more than $42,000 for Cancer Council last year.

"This year we hope to see many businesses sponsoring an entrant in the Queen of the Oyster Festival to raise funds for breast cancer research as it's also a great way to promote your business while supporting a great cause," Ms Wales said.

"Last year, the entrants raised over $42,000 for breast cancer research and we hope this year many people will join in the celebration for such a wonderful event.

"The festival has been revamped with a new logo designed by Central Coast Tourism and, for the first time, a website designed by a local business Webstuff.biz," Ms Wales said.

"The website will provide up to date information on the festival and the entrants fundraising events.

"In partnership with Central Coast Tourism, the festival will be promoted to the Sydney region with a major advertising promotion to attract visitors for weekend stays on the Central Coast.

"We are very excited with Central Coast Tourism coming on board as we have their expertise in the tourist industry.

"Many regions are now promoting their area through festivals and we are endeavouring to attract the interest of people outside the region to come to the Peninsula for the weekend. "That way, our tourist accommodation places benefit as well."

Ms Wales said local businesses including Tony Arico Travelworld in Deep Water Plaza, Bellashoetique in Ettalong Beach and Indulge Yourself at St Hubert's Island would provide prizes for the winner of this year's Queen of the Festival and Miss Charity Queen titles.

"The Oyster Festival is in its 9th year and will be held on Sunday, November 8, at Ettalong Beach waterfront with a variety of entertainment, food and wine stalls, arts and crafts, and the famous Sydney Rock oysters and Hawkesbury Pacific oysters," Ms Wales said.

"This year the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival Ball will be held on November 6, at the Ettalong Beach Club where the winners of the Queen of the Festival and Miss Charity Queen contests will be announced.

"The Oyster Ball is a wonderful event to celebrate all the hard work over the months from the queen entrants as well as having a glamorous evening."

For all information on the festival and application forms simply log onto www.oysterfestival.com.au or contact the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce on 43 427510.

Press release, 16 Jul 2009 Debra Wales, Brisbane Water Oyster Festival