Dam Fine Rally 2016
The Tropical Coast Wanderers, who hosted the Dam Fine Rally, did such an amazing job. The stage and surrounds were decorated beautifully, the compères kept things flowing smoothly, filling gaps in skilfully with their jokes and banter, and I loved the ‘button-in-the wall’ real flush (though still portable) loos, complete with flowers, soap and hand towels.
The biccies at morning tea carried a reward if you returned your zip lock bag and Wallaby Bob promised all sorts of other prizes as well. The way the morning teas were organised, around the stage area, meant the compères had a captive audience for announcements and also meant people were already gathered, ready for the guest speakers’ information sessions. Most were held in this same area, as was the evening entertainment. Among other things, we learnt about bees and were also made aware of Mates4Mates, an organisation that offers help to any of our defence service personnel with either mental or physical ailments.
Cheery fires at nightfall, in half drums added a warm ambience while we appreciated the talented musicians who entertained us. The dance floor was constantly packed, adding extra fun and laughter, especially when the Hokey Pokey and Running Bear were played.
Happy Hour featured walk-up entertainers at the main stage area though many groups held their own. The Highway Wanderers brought their Derby Day Happy Hour closer to the stage area so everyone could get a laugh. Food vans, coffee and ice-cream vans, the Bio Magic van plus a book stall were on site every day with many other vendors there on Market Day.
I could hardly believe my luck at buying an egg plant for $1 ($6+ at Woolies) and a whole watermelon for $2.50. It was an interesting market with a variety of stalls plus on-stage entertainment. The belly dancers and fashion parade were particularly popular. The day started off with delicious Lions Club catering for the Poet’s Breakfast; a hilarious launch into a most entertaining day. The pre-loved clothing stall was also very popular, especially appreciated by the women though George bought a stunning ‘YeeHaa’ shirt for a bargain price.
Walks around the dam were also popular. You could join the early morning walking group or go any time. The distance markers meant you could brag about how far you’d walked while admiring the pelicans, other birds and the plentiful rock wallabies.
On Sunday, a few people from different local churches came to the rally site to host a church service complete with accomplished band providing inspirational music. And then it was Disc Bowls time with the usual lively competition. It was also easy to get into town with the hourly availability of the town bus and we were wowed by our visit to REEF HQ, a condensed indoor Barrier Reef experience. You could catch the bus to the Strand, the shops, Magnetic Island, the Show; there was a lot to see in Townsville, or you could go into the laundromat where you were given a free cappuccino while waiting for your washing to finish. The kind lady there also repaired zippers (or whatever you needed sewing-wise) as there was a sewing shop adjacent plus an Op Shop nearby for browsing.
Many gratefully accepted the offer of being able to stay on up to another week after the rally’s end, with hot showers and toilets still available at low cost. It was still school holidays and therefore not so easy to find other suitable camp locations, especially for those interested in attending the V8 car races. Others just filled in time, for the slow meander to Mareeba’s Christmasin- July rally, perhaps intending to take in the Chillagoe Music Festival or the Mareeba Rodeo, on the way. It was a most enjoyable rally with record numbers in attendance, (around 320 vans). The organisers and volunteers are to be heartily congratulated. Big Thank Yous to all. We’ll no doubt attend again next year.
