$1M festival attracts 30,000
Organisers have estimated that more than 30,000 people attended the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival on Sunday, November 11, at Ettalong. which.
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the festival generated a turnover of close to $1 million.
"We were all absolutely amazed at the number of people who came to the Festival which we have been successfully holding now for 12 years," said Mr Wales.
"Previous years had been highly successful but Sunday's effort was simply phenomenal," he said.
Crowds of people busied themselves along the foreshore sampling local oysters, seafood and wines and packed the myriad of food and art and craft stalls.
"Once again, the annual How Many Oysters Can You Eat in 30 Seconds was packed with contestants and drew a huge vocal crowd with the winner downing 24 oysters," said Mr Wales.
"The weather was brilliant, the crowds were enthusiastic and well behaved, the live entertainment was a huge hit and the event ran like clockwork.
"As you can appreciate, events like this take months to organise and would not be possible without our sponsors and particularly our partners, the Ettalong Beach Club and Gosford Council.
"Without their financial support and commitment to the festival, the event would not have happened.
"We were asked what makes such events so successful.
"There is no doubt that a strong community connection is essential and this event relies heavily on the links to the local oyster growing industry.
"Success also comes from our dedicated volunteers, a strong organisational structure, professional event managers such as our co-ordinator Deborah Lowndes from Gone Dot.e Group and key media partners.
"Entertainment is also crucial with the central stage area being a huge draw card for the crowds.
"G'day Hollywood have been our entertainment managers for 12 years and have always produced top quality bands for the event.
"Many thanks to both Wayne Cornell and Jenifer Green for looking after the Chambers' entertainment needs so professionally, both On the Prowl and Fabba were brilliant this year.
"The event has showcased the region with thousands of those who attended coming from outside the area.
"Plans are already underway to further improve the event ready for next year's Brisbane Water Oyster Festival," said Mr Wales.
Media Release, 12 Nov 2012
Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce