THE BOWEN Gumlu Growers Association hosted the Queensland Day Flavours of Bowen Festival, at the Bowen Soundshell and Foreshore, on Saturday, June 3.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) was one of 10 organisations that received funding from the Queensland Government as part of the Queensland Day Sponsorship Program to fund the event.
The event was also supported by Whitsunday Regional Council and Bowen Tourism and Business.
Created as a new community event to highlight the fantastic food and produce originating from the region, more than 2,000 attendees enjoyed the day out.
The event provided a number of market stalls, food vendors, produce displays, kids activities, live music, cooking demonstration, historical display and competitions.
Attendees were able to compete for a range of prizes through the competitions, which included tomato egg-spoon racing, sack races, tomato carting and watermelon eating, a highlight of the day.
BGGA CEO Ry Collins said it was great to see the community support on the day.
“The event presented an opportunity to celebrate the food that is produced in our region, our diversity and everything great about living in Queensland,” he said.
“It’s great to see the community come out in support and share in this celebration.”
Bowen Tourism and Business manager Leanne Abernethy said the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach was busy during the Flavours of Bowen Festival.
“We had a lot of visitors from Bowen and the region but there were also interstate tourists, who called in to check out the local produce and there were some international visitors as well,” she said.
“We sold a lot of our delicious mango sorbets on the day and were pleased to support Bowen Gumlu Growers for their inaugural Flavours of Bowen Festival showcasing the produce from our region.
“The family-friendly atmosphere was really good and the entertainment was great.
“The face-painting and the watermelon eating competitions proved very popular with the kids.”
