Oyster festival attracts 25,000
The Brisbane Water Oyster Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary with an estimated 25,000 visitors to Ettalong on Sunday, November 14.
"We had beautiful sunshine, great entertainment and a wide selection of food, wine and craft to keep every age entertained," said festival co-ordinator Ms Debra Wales.
She said the oyster-eating competition was a favourite among festival goers.
"Introducing the train for the littlies, who could choose from horse riding to amusement rides, was a great success," said Ms Wales.
A variety of stalls lined the street, including face painting and showbags for kids, an array of local produce, Australian made gourmet herbs, spices and beauty products.
Arts and craft stalls offered goods including sarongs and dresses, Australian made ceramics, costume jewellery as well as prints and artwork.
A display of classic cars and fire engines also lined the street.
"The highlight of the day was the presentation of a $10,000 cheque from the State Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews and a $500 cheque from the Inner Wheel Rotary Club of Gosford North to the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for the Gosford Hospital Colposcope machine fundraiser.
"We were absolutely shocked to receive two cheques on the day of the festival.
"This will go a long way for the hospital to purchase a state of the art Colposcope machine which can detect early cervical cancer in women.
"It will be a great resource for our local hospital" said Ms Wales.
Mr Michael Patten from Umina won the oyster-eating trophy.
The celebrity oyster-eating competition was won by Wayne Cornell of G'day Hollywood Productions, winning by three oysters over Australian author Judy Nunn.
The five entrants including Greg Florimo from the Central Coast Bears and Elvis raised $1000 for the Gosford Hospital fundraiser.
"It was a brilliant day for Ettalong Beach bringing thousands of visitors to the area, some for the first time.
"The shopkeepers reported a successful day for their business and the festival certainly puts the Peninsula on the map as tourist destination each November" said Ms Wales
Media Release, 17 Nov 2010
Debra Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
Nitasha Thompson, 14 Nov 2010