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Bumper program for New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 10, 2009, 8:08am and updated on December 10, 2009 at 2:19 pm

Two fireworks displays, eight live music acts, a wrestling display and children’s activities will be the highlights of community celebrations at Vansittart Park to welcome 2010 in Mount Gambier.

A committee that has worked for more than a year to deliver the night of New Year’s Eve festivities, securing a strong line-up of diverse entertainment.

Community celebration committee chair Steve Toope praised the small band of volunteers for their dedication and hard work in making the event come to fruition and said he was pleased with how final preparations were progressing.

“There have been several setbacks, numerous hurdles and disappointments to overcome, however, these have not stopped the committee from achieving its goal of providing a New Year’s Eve celebration,” he said.

Mr Toope said he hoped the event would grow over coming years.

“On January 2 of the past 10 years, the press has been full of complaints from the community that it is very poor there are no planned New Year’s Eve events for Mount Gambier,” he said.

“Well, Mount Gambier and district, it is your turn to be counted, show support and attend the event.”

Mr Toope said the committee, which features Mae Steele, Angela Altschwager, Helen Cutting, Talie Teakle, Di Ferguson and Maxine Tuffnell, had met fortnightly for 18 months.

“Despite the best efforts of the committee to raise the necessary funding to stage the event, they have not been able to secure the funds to their original concept and the event has been trimmed to fit the budget,” he said.

“The committee is disappointed the broader business community could not contribute to the event for various reasons.”

However, he said numerous sponsors had been secured and eight bands had been confirmed for the line-up, including Mischief and Mayhem, Mahalia Fox, Calamari for Breakfast, Rhapsody, Admella, Rats on a Stick and the Blue Lake RSL Pipe Band.

Fireworks will also feature on the night at 9pm and midnight and radio identity Ewan Grant and former tourism leader Biddie Teitz will appear as comperes.

Riot City Wrestling will also appear on the night, featuring former local Kurt “Powers” Ploenges in the ring against Adelaide regulars and athletes from across the country.

The event will be fully catered, including bar facilities, with strictly no BYO.

“The committee is hoping to provide the setting for a carnival picnic atmosphere,” Mr Toope said.

“It is an opportunity for families, friends, and relatives to meet in a safe environment, enjoy the music and festivities and celebrate the New Year.”

He said further volunteers, sponsors, caters and providers of children’s activities were still being sought.

“The organising committee will be working right up to the last minute to secure funding and other activities to add to the night’s entertainment and fun,” he said.

To assist the event call the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre or call Mr Toope on 0438 230 770.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Bumper program for New Year’s Eve”

  1. Maybe on December 10th, 2009 10:49 am 1

    well done! Great effort!

  2. Jennifer McCallum on December 10th, 2009 2:11 pm 2

    Where is this event taking place and is it a dry zone?

  3. Editor on December 10th, 2009 2:20 pm 3

    The venue was mentioned in the photo caption in the paper, but not here (now fixed) as being Vansittart Park.

    The event is fully catered, including bar facilities. BYO is not allowed.

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