BRIGHT sunny days welcomed around 2000 people who celebrated the annual Bramwell Cup Bush Carnival over the weekend on July 4-6.
The carnival was a huge success and was well supported by the local, northern Cape York neighbours; including communities from Weipa, Coen, Watson River, Yarraden, Wolverton and others.
The 'family' event attracted people from various regions of northern Queensland as well as families from across Australian. Feedback from children and adults was inspirational; the bush carnival seemed to touch the lives of people in different ways.
Several children talked about the 'new friends' they made and for one 10 year old boy who was reluctant to leave said "it was the best holiday I've ever had in my whole life!" Watching the proud smiles of parents looking on while their children 'had a go' in friendly competitions, was priceless and seemed to sum up the essence of the bush carnival in many ways.
Country and city folk tested their skills in junior and senior competitions such as talent quests, poddy calf rides, and adventures in calf scruffing, catching the greasy pig, jelly eating and raw egg-catching. The children particularly had fun in the egg and spoon races, foot races and ball games and practised their skills on the mechanical bull before entering into the poddy rides.
The Inaugural Bramwell Bush Cup Horse Race was held on Saturday afternoon. In 1st place was:-
Jamie Martin from Yarraden; 2nd Sarah Ramsey from Bramwell; 3rd David Port (Porty) from Coen. Congratulations to the other jockeys for their great spirit and sportsmanship - Branch Inkser, Phil Byers and Eddie Jackson.
A highlight of the day was the Women's Calf Scruffing event. It was the first time for most competitors who took to the dirt gracefully – if that’s at all possible -, no doubt sporting bruises over the next few days. Winners were Shannon Bowyer and Sarah Clark both from Bramwell Station.
The Fashions on the Field were a last minute addition to the carnival with people having one night to prepare their fashion creations. Tied for 1st place were Emma from Beaudesert and Laura from Melbourne.
Emma wore a lilac and yellow ankle length dress with shawl created from lilac and yellow glad bags attached to western style belt; her accessories included a bundy bag, XXXX Gold fan, beige akubra and matching camp boots.
Laura wore a crimson and black Balinese style dress, stilettos and a head piece of mango leaves spray-painted black. Scores of women, children and even the men entered the fashion contest and some very creative ladies entered their gar-barge range (black gabbage bags with tin and alfoil accessories). This was very cleverly displayed with the dubious assistance of husbands who helped create the silver accessories and fascinators made from tin cans which were cut and curled with pens to resemble flowers and connected ring tops created unique bracelets and earrings.
Live music entertained the crowds. All ages danced to the amazing sounds of Kerry Kennedy and the Double Barrel Band (from Gold Coast) and the brilliant talent of guitar/vocalist "That 60's Guy" - Robbie McGowan (from Brisbane).
Tiny-tots bobbed and swayed as did the adults as the night rolled on! The Coen Five men's group held the crowd in awe with their indigenous songs; travellers from abroad as well as Aussies truly appreciated the soul of their music and wanted more!
A huge range of colourful Bramwell souvenirs sold at affordable prices while the food tent was kept busy with an all-day BBQ and the bar supplied cool refreshments. People travelling through commented on how the crowds were respectful and considerate to each other. This created a safe and festive space for everyone to have fun, especially the families where children could "have fun playing the games we played as children".....
As one happy traveller put it: "no Ipads or phones to distract them up here, it was the best holiday we've had as a family in years".