All roads led to Rowena on Sunday for the annual June long weekend Cracker Night, with about 1,300 people travelling to the north-west NSW village for a spectacular show: an evening of fireworks, fun and country hospitality.
For 30 years, the Rowie school community has run the now-iconic Rowena Cracker Night, and its dedicated army of local volunteers has helped it grow from a small gathering of 50 parents into one of the region’s most popular social events.
Attracting visitors from far and wide, many attendees make a weekend of it and camp for the occasion.
A family friendly evening, people were encouraged to dust off their camp chairs, round up their mates and support a good cause – the Rowena Public School P and C’s annual fundraiser.
And, again, it was a cracker of a night that did not disappoint. There was something for everyone, from snow cones and sausage sandwiches to the Rowena CWA’s famous supper table spread, featuring Wendy Burrell’s delicious sponge rolls.
Glow sticks, rainbow swords, flashing butterflies, raffle tickets, and Rowie merchandise were also in high demand.
The event’s signature big bonfires kept guests warm as they caught up with old and new mates, kicking back to music from local legend Leon Cunningham – with a few keen movers and shakers even taking to the dance floor.
The talented pyrotechnics team delivered a sensational fireworks display, with a kaleidoscope of colour and a bursting love heart lighting up the glorious outback sky, drawing a big round of applause from the adoring crowd.
Organisers of the successful fundraiser thanked everyone who supported the event, from generous sponsors and volunteers to the people who turned out to back their small but mighty village.
In turn, many guests praised the organisers for once again delivering such a memorable community event.
ALI SMITH
