You may have seen the Nurraburai Festival story from the archives in Tuesday’s edition of The Courier.
The festival began over half a century ago and featured a range of social and sporting contests, food and drink, a colourful street parade and fun for the whole family.
The name of the event is in traditional Kamilaroi language, meaning ‘place of forked waters’, reflecting the infamous river and creek system that runs through Narrabri.
Rich in culture and historical significance, the Nurraburai Festival ran over the October long weekend in town for a number of years.
Memories of the event are being piqued among locals who once attended, especially as the long weekend nears once again.
Among those who reflected on Tuesday’s archive story was Narrabri’s Phil Nipperess, whose own father won the festival’s beard growing competition in 1970.
“Dad’s actually growing out his beard again now, more than 50 years on from taking home the title of ‘best groomed’,” Mr Nipperess explained.
“It’s somewhat of a tribute to days gone by as we all yearn to travel back to simpler times.”
“The Nurraburai Festival reflected the importance of community spirit – something that’s always been significant to the local area – which can be seen by just how popular the event was among people of all ages.”
Perhaps the most well-attended aspect of the festival was the Monday morning street parade.
Kicking off at 10am and travelling along the main street of Narrabri, thousands gathered to take in the colourful displays.
In 1970 – only the second time the event ever ran – over 50 floats were entered in the procession by keen local creatives.
Mr Nipperess is interested in replicating the spirit of the famous parade, this weekend.
Not only will the 2021 October long weekend mark more than 50 years since his father took home first place in the beard growing competition, but the ex-winner will also be celebrating his 85th birthday.
“As a personal tribute to the festival’s history, as well as a birthday celebration, our family will be dressing up a ute to travel down Maitland Street as our own pseudo-parade,” Mr Nipperess said.
“We’ll have the grandkids decorate the vehicle with streamers and bright colours, before driving down the main street on Saturday.
“It won’t be a big event but we welcome any other car enthusiasts to join us in the drive at 10am and, if you see us travelling along, give us a wave.”
More to come, including photos from this long weekend, in next Thursday’s edition of The Courier.
John Nipperess is pictured with Geoff Crapps, holding his then baby daughter Rosemary.
