Locally owned and independent
November 9, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 7
Inflatables pump up Jacaranda Thursday By Tim Howard Jacaranda Thursday celebrations in Grafton hit their peak in the post pandemic period with crowds packing the market-stall filled CBD on Thursday. And after a morning of fun and frivolities in Prince St and environs, the crowds flocked into Market Square to watch
local business houses compete for the the Gold and Silver cups for business shows. Inflatable costumes hit peak usage on centre stage with three of the eight performances employing the devices. But it was Clarence Valley Council which was able to defend its Gold Cup win in 2022 with a show stopping performance.
The staff reincarnated some stars who have left us, with Dame Edna Everage, Freddy Mercury and two versions of Tina Turner putting in surprisingly lively performances. And they did fit or royalty with King Charles and Queen Camilla and the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan giving the show regal approval.
The council had to beat out some tough opponents in Dougherty Property and Westlawn Finance. Dougherty Property’s Inflatable Talent Show put blow up costumes to inspired uses and told some appalling dad jokes. Who would have thought a raffle held in space could have a constellation prize?
They also created another reincarnation of Tina Turner, who chose the more sedate role of a judge handing out scores for acts in their show. Westlawn Finance double down on its Clarence Valley Monopoly promotion, recreating skits around the locations featured in the game. Grafton July Carnival racing, the Jacaranda
Festival, the jail, Yamba lifesavers and many more places in the game featured prominently. There was also fierce competition for the Silver Cup, open to smaller businesses, which this year went to disability services provider Wellways. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 8.
Holding the Jacaranda Gold Cup for a second year in a row, the Clarence Valley Council cast celebrate their win stage on Thursday.
Wellways Grafton staff made great use of their inflatable costumes to win the Silver Cup on Jacaranda Thursday.
The Ballina Art Society
2023 Exhibition
Fierce rivals the Flameasaurus and the Jacasaurus battle it out for Jacaranda Thursday supremacy.
Each year since 1972, the members of Ballina Art Society have showcased their latest artworks for the public. This year’s exhibition will again be held at the historic Tintenbar Hall where you can meet the local
May Reilly and Marnie Brighton about to tuck into a delicious Jacaranda ice cream from the I Scream mobile ice cream stall.
artists and enjoy refreshments and homemade treats. Come to see over
‘The Egret’ by Helen Waddell
TINTENBAR HALL Tintenbar Road, Tintenbar FREE ENTRY Friday 17 November 1 - 5pm with the Exhibition Opening and Awards at 6 - 8 pm Saturday 18 Nov 10 - 5pm Sunday 19 Nov 10 - 4pm
160 artworks across a range of styles and mediums, created by both well-known and emerging local artists. All artworks are for sale. The Westlawn Finance performance was based on its Clarence Valley Monopoly game, featuring local places and events, which it released recently.
