Warwick Events

Jumpers & Jazz in July Update - Brand New Blog

2010-06-25T16:37:00.001+10:00

The Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival is now less than three weeks away.
The days are getting shorter, the trees are losing their leaves and the sound of knitting needles clicking is growing louder. Yes, Jumpers and Jazz in July 2010 is almost upon us and the program is bursting at the seams. Keep up to date with the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival's brand new blog, visit the website and take a look at the Gig Guide, then study the official program so you can get the Jumpers and Jazz experience to suit you.

Jumpers and Jazz in July Update

2010-05-06T11:45:00.006+10:00

It is now two months and one week until the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival kicks off for 2010.
The program is now coming together and is bursting at the seams with fun and lively entertainment, so stay tuned for its official release date. The best way to stay up to date on the program is still the website - so make sure you add it to your favourites and keep up to date as all the latest news is released. The tree jumper exhibition is now nearly full, so if you're a textile artist, creative individual or even part of a knitting group that would like to create thier own unique tree jumper, make sure you register your tree jumper as soon as possible.

Only One Week Left to Nominate!

2010-04-16T15:11:00.004+10:00

The Heritage Business Excellence Awards are gearing up in Warwick. There is now only one week left for the public to nominate a business they feel is outstanding. After the nominations have been gathered, businesses will be notified of thier nomination and get the chance to fill in thier submissions. The quality of the submission will be the major factor in which businesses receive awards. A Panel of judges from outside the region and a local advisor will have the job of sifting through the entries and deciding which businesses will receive awards.
Winners will then be announced at the Gala Awards Ceremony held on Saturday 5th June.

Goodluck to all businesses who are nominated!

Don't forget to nominate you only have a week left!

Easter Fair saw blue skies

2010-04-08T16:01:00.004+10:00

This year's Warwick Easter Fair was a brilliant success. Blue skies and and light breeze was perfect weather for the Easter Fair. The market stalls clustered near the shade trees and Band Rotunda and then the crowd descended. It was estimated that 3000 people visited the Park on Easter Saturday to browse the market, view the Pontiacs and join in the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny. The lovely belladiva sopranos performed an impromptu teaser for their upcoming concert in Warwick on the 15th April. Kids activities, tasty treats and awesome hand made gifts proved the Easter Fair is set to be an annual favourite.

Colour in the Warwick Easter Fair

2010-03-31T16:40:00.004+10:00

There is now only two days left unti the Warwick Easter Fair.

With so much on offer, there is simply something for the entire family.

You can't go past the pontiac show and shine, the great fresh foods, yummy snacks and awesome kids activities.

This year the 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny colouring competition is in full swing and is still open for kids to enter. With 38 entries already submitted there is an abundance of colour and creation.

Kids can join in and colour at the Warwick Easter Fair and go into the draw to win an Easter Basket. For more information visit the Warwick Tourism & Events stall at the Warwick Easter Fair.

Easter Fair Update: more than just a market

2010-03-23T13:51:00.003+10:00

Warwick Easter Fair is returning to beautiful Leslie Park on Saturday 3rd April with something for the whole family. 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny will host the Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00am, the QLD Pontiac Car Club will hold their Show 'n' Shine in the park and Rainbow FM is set to broadcast live from the event.

Warwick Easter Fair offers a fantastic range of market stalls from jewellery, craft, crystals, organic soaps & products, to fresh fruit & vegetables from Allora and the Granite Belt along with yummy home made fudge, goodies, pickles and jams.

There will be plenty on offer for the kids, with local talent Clayton Creations Face painting, visiting Crazy Candles Interactive Candle Making, the ABC Learning Centre activities tent & ABC Bear and the 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny Colouring Competition and Easter Egg Hunt.

You can enjoya tasty snack with a choice of Churros (spanish donuts), Dutch Poffertjes, home made sweets, Morish Nuts, Xpresso Coffee and something more substantial from the Salvation Army Food Van.

Admire the Pontiacs, pick up some fresh produce, look for that last minute Easter gift, join in the Easter Egg Hunt or browse the variety of stalls at the Warwick Easter Fair. All the fun will start from 9:00am and run until 3:00pm.

The Heritage Business Excellence Awards Launched

2010-03-19T11:35:00.004+10:00

Last night the Heritage Business Excellence Awards of Warwick, were officially launched for 2010. Nomination forms are now available for the public to vote for a business they believe excels. Nomination entries close Friday the 23rd April 2010 and the Gala Awards Night will be held on Saturday the 5th June. Between April 23 and June 5, businesses who were nominated prepare their submissions and the judges select the most worthy. This year's theme was also announced as 'Celebrate Success'.

To market, to market to buy a ..... choc egg?

2010-03-11T15:48:00.004+10:00

Easter is a lovely time in Warwick for visitors and locals alike. The weather cools and you relish the autumn sun and colder nights. It's not long now until the Easter Fair so any stall holders who would like to attend - don't forget to register. There is a great mix of stalls registered for this year's Easter Fair and the Pontiac Car Club's Show 'n' Shine, Easter Egg Hunt hosted by 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny and some great fresh food and sweat treats on offer. With 3 weeks to go - it won't be long before the Easter Eggs start piling up!

How are YOU travelling to the Apple & Grape Festival?

2010-02-19T11:42:00.010+10:00

With two weeks to the big weekend of the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival your probably already planning how your going to experience the festival. If your accomodation is in Warwick or if you live in Warwick you can de-stress about driving then finding a car park or getting too tired to drive back, because 'Warwick Country Tours' is offering a bus transfers over the big weekend.

Options include:

'Return to Cloudlands' Gala Ball on Friday Return Transfers

One way transfers each way on Saturday

Return Food & Wine Fiesta Transfer Sunday

Well don't wait...start planning now!

Jumpers and Jazz in July News

2010-02-12T13:20:00.003+10:00

It may be five whole months away, but in the event world Jumpers and Jazz in July is just around the corner. What is there to look forwad to? The usual awesome textile displays also known as 'tree jumpers' and a selection of some jazzy music talent. Already confirmed is the Ipswich City Big Band and there is more soon to be announced. As always there will be exhibitions, gigs, markets and more all set in a cool winter landscape. So forget the heat - start knitting a scarf because its only 5 months away!

A step back in Show Days

2010-02-05T15:27:00.003+10:00

Remember when you were a kid and you went to you rural show? Maybe you do, maybe you don't. Either way you don't have to miss out! The small town of Allora on the Darling Downs hosts its own Show Day today and one of the cutest shows ever this weekend. Partly because the Show Grounds in Allora are well looked after and partly because of its small size but mostly because of the traditional country show programme - it's one show you should definitly do at least once. It has all the horse events, live stock competitions and a dog show absolutely bursting at the seams with preened and pretty purebred dogs strutting their stuff. Large shady trees shelter spectators and there is something happening all the time. If your passing this way this weekend you should definitly drop in and take a look and probably a photo too!

Australia Honors Hard Work and Commitment

2010-01-27T16:41:00.005+10:00

Warwick Tourism & Events was excited yesterday when the Australia Day awards in Warwick appreciated outstanding community members. Congratulations go to Citizen of the year Peter Stewart, Junior Citizen of the year Daniel Rayner, Junior Cultural went to Kirstin Payne. Congratulations to Claire Schofield who recieved the Culture Award and who has contributed so much to tourism in the region over the years. Sports Administrator went to Anne Glass, Brodie Sharmam and Cameron Shephard received the 2010 Junior Sports Award and Sports Award. The Community Event went to Shadows of the Past premiere in Killarney. The Community project went to the Warwick Peace Garden Project.

Congratulations to all of these deserving community minded people!

Very Vintage Vehicles

2010-01-20T14:33:00.005+10:00

Allora Heritage Weekend on 23rd & 24th January 2010, hosted by the Warwick Veteran & Vintage Car Club, sees the little town of Allora on the Darling Downs turn into a virtual hub of vintage veterans.

You can get your fill of vintage vehicles with:

Vintage & Veteran Cars & Motorcycles
Horse Drawn Machinery
Stationary Engines
Trucks tractors and machinery
Working displays
Hay making Equipment through the ages
Craft & quilters

This weekend is worth a look whether your a vintage fanatic or simply a passer by.

Warwick Easter Fair 2010

2010-01-15T10:42:00.005+10:00

The first Warwick Easter Fair was held in 2009 and proved popular with visitors and locals. Ideally located the Fair saw a steady stream of shoppers dropping in while they completed a last minute shop for easter.

Especially popular was the Easter Egg hunt with a whole heap of kids rocking up first thing in the morning to greet 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny and ready to hunt for eggs.

This year it is sure to be even better, the Fair is made more than just a market by the little extra activities that make it so fun!

'Bugs' will be back again, more kids activities are planned and some new features are soon to be confirmed.

New Stallholders are always welcome!

Fireworks mark an early start

2009-12-30T14:53:00.003+10:00

New Year's Eve is set to go off with a bang in Warwick when the anual Fireworks display begins at 8.00pm on the 31st December. Festivities start early at 5.00pm for families with kids activities including a car jumping castle, laughing clowns, fairy floss, ghost house, merry-go-round, face painting and more. What makes it even easier is you don't have to prepare dinner just take advantage of the canteen provided by the Cowboys Rugby League Club. No need for your family to miss out because the kiddies are asleep before midnight, because at Queens Park, Warwick the Fireworks begin at 8.00 pm.

Spring into Rodeo!

2009-09-18T14:49:00.004+10:00

Each year at the end of October, Warwick is invaded by the Rodeo crowd and it's been that way for so many years now that Warwick has become synonymous with the word Rodeo. As one of Australia's most famous Rodeos it's not surprising that it is now part of the character and culture of the town. The local community loves to celebrate rodeo time and Warwick Tourism & Events gets on board every year with the Street Parade, Busking Competition, Friday Night Carnival (better known as the Friday Night Mardi Gras) and a new favourite the Celebrity Horse Race. There's something for everyone at Rodeo time - so get involved and sign up for an activity, competition or as a volunteer.

Jumpers & Jazz in July Update

2009-06-23T10:46:00.003+10:00

How long?
With only just over three weeks to go, the Jumpers & Jazz in July program is bursting at the seams with exciting workshops, events and shows!
As the air crisps up and the wind chill factor drops dramatically all the associated organisers are getting excited about once again donning thier signature scarves and vibrant hats, coats and gloves.

There is nothing like a Warwick Winter and with only 2hrs to drive for the warmer coast dwellers - why wouldn't you choose a winter weekend?

So check out the 2009 Jumpers and Jazz in July 2009 Program and choose your own quirky winter festival experience.

Caught on film....

2009-05-22T14:01:00.003+10:00

Catch a peak at what's on offer in our region by watching 'Creek to Coast' this Saturday on Channel 7 at 5pm.

As part of their Caravan Trip you have the opportunity to see some of what the Southern Downs Region has to offer.

A little birdy told me that there should be a few interesting appearances by locals???

Well, time will tell - 5pm Saturday on Channel 7pm. DON'T MISS IT!

Jumpers & Jazz in July Update

2009-05-20T16:32:00.005+10:00

One of my favourite times of year on the Southern Downs is winter and it's not far away. You wouldn't believe that just two hours from Brisbane the temperature could be so different.
If you venture over cunninghams gap onto the Darling Downs you will find a real winter where you can huddle up next to a fire and read a book or head outdoors with scarf, coat and hat to experience the Jumpers & Jazz in July Festival. Check out awesome art displays, performances, live music and more. The official program is set to be released on the 1st June and the gig guide is really heating up. Don't miss out this year - have a real winter!

Spot the competition!

2009-05-15T15:12:00.007+10:00

Have you seen an excess of joggers on the streets and in the parks of Warwick recently?

You might think the cooler mornings would keep the fitness freaks confined to the gym...

Well here's a hint - it's only a week until the Pentath-Run.

Each year competition heats up and not just among the professionals - it's also your everyday challenge. With friend against friend, colleague against colleague, challenging each other months in advance to take part in Pentath - 5 races in 2 days!

The catch - they forget to train??? In some cases forget to race!! oops! Certainly not the professionals. But yes some individuals thinks it's a fine idea (never having seen the inside of a gym) to challenge a friend or their boss to race. I'm certainly not advising anyone to take part in anything dangerous! But if you're reasonably fit, even if its a social walk with your friends - Join in the fun of the Pentath-Run!

Prayer for Peace

2009-05-07T16:52:00.011+10:00

The banks of the Condamine River in Queens Park Warwick, set the scene for a peaceful gathering on Saturday 2nd May. It was Peace in the Park, the last Saturday in the Peace Festival's program.

As the poetry ended, I munched away on mini pancakes and sipped on a perfect coffee (by La Gourmet Coffee Cart Chef). The crisp Autumn air, the warm sun and the beatiful condamine river - set the scene for peace. Next up was a sneak peak at the Mandala the Tibetan Monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery were working on. Then a meander through the markets clustered along the riverbank - searching for treasures and exploring the wide range of environmental education displays.

The entertainment kicked off with an early start with a line up for the whole day!!

This mini-festival was just one aspect of the 'Peace Festival' that enveloped Warwick for 12 days.
The next Peace Wave should engulf Warwick in 2011 - we can't wait!

Chocolate on the brain....

2009-04-30T16:20:00.004+10:00

A great big thankyou goes out to all those who supported the Warwick Easter Fair.

With great Market Stalls and activities, visitors had the chance to stock up on goodies and fresh supplies for Easter, while kids had the chance to make awesome candles, get their face painted, join in the Easter Coloring competition and really go mad in the Easter Egg hunt.

The Easter Egg hunt was great success with 'Bugs' the Easter Bunny truly happy with the result. When asked on his opinion he promptly signed his signature high-five (which apparently means "awesome" in bugs language) and did a little jig.

All the team at Warwick Tourism & Events is looking forward to next year's Easter Fair!!

When the whistle sounds...

2009-01-26T14:50:00.004+10:00

I woke up hours earlier than usual on Saturday morning. Tired and bleary eyed I stumbled for the espresso machine. I could hardly function. These however, were mere physical ailments, underneath I was brimming with excitement.

Today was the day... the day the 'Downs Dasher' would take to the track.

At the Warwick Train Station early, this little blogger was there to greet the first passenger. At least an hour early, she shared her memories of the trains of old as we waited in the shadow of the station's impressive entrance for passengers to descend. And descend they did, approaching across the car park like explorers across a vast desert, eager eyes fixed on the station. As I ticked off names and handed over tickets the passengers peeped past me, impatient to head onto the platform.

Not only passengers but onlookers, photographers and excited children were all eager enough to be earlier than the train! The train was full and the whistle was soon to sound and there was still plenty on the platform to wave them off.

As the whistle sounded the same excitement as your team winning at a football match or the last 100m of the Melbourne Cup seemed to be alive on the platform ... there certainly is something about steam trains.

Travelling by rail is an experience, you suddenly see the country differently, views hidden from the road are extended and romanticized when accompanied by the smell of soot and the sound of the whistle.

The day really was one for the books - what with the sweltering heat and plenty of potential hiccups to upset the coal cart, the day ended for me finally riding the 'Downs Dasher' home from Hendon, hot, tired but happy the day had been a success and wondering how it had ended so soon.

Thanks to the many Steam Train buffs from across the country and all their fabulous feedback, my 'Downs Dasher' experience proved to be much more than a ticket to ride!

Here's to a long and fruitful career for the 'Downs Dasher'.

From one festive season to another...

2009-01-16T16:23:00.005+10:00

Easter eggs, hot cross buns and easter bunnies - the unmistakable signs that Easter is on its way.

With Christmas barely over, long summer days and the school holidays still in full swing, Easter would barely register on most people's horizons. It's amazing though (and even helpful for those who shop 3 months in advance) - easter produce is now available in stores. Yep, there was even a rumour that easter eggs hit shelves Boxing Day!

Whatever the facts, those at the Warwick Tourism & Events office are not dreaming of chocolate bunnies - they've got an entirely different food group in mind for Easter.

Locally produced food and drink products are the basis for the first ever Warwick Easter Fair. A day for the whole family featuring; arts, crafts, food and wine stalls, kids activities, music and even a celebrity chef (no not Gordon Ramsay - he's busy!).

The day is all about community spirit, the outdoors, fun and celebrating locally produced foods. Education is also on the cards with great opportunities to learn more about what's available locally and more ways for kids to learn fun, healthy eating habits.

The date is set for Saturday 11th April 2009 - 9am until 3pm at Leslie Park, Warwick.

Don't forget, if you're a stallholder and love a good market - then this event is for you!

The 'Downs Dasher' Steams into Warwick!

2009-01-09T16:25:00.012+10:00

The romance of travelling by the power of steam is back. The Southern Downs Steam Railway has achieved a goal worth hundreds of volunteer hours and years of dedication - a steam train of their own - literally!

Rebuilt by volunteers and ready to run on the track, the 'Downs Dasher' is waiting for the Whistle thats set to sound for it's official first public run on Australia Day weekend 2009.

Families will be able ride on Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th of January 2009.

To revel in the charm of everything vintage, trips out to the Allora Heritage Weekend on Saturday are planned and visits to historical Pubs in Clifton and Nobby are available on the Sunday and Monday.....Tickets are a must, so if your that way inclined, which let's face it, most of us are... get in quick and book!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

2008-12-05T16:09:00.011+10:00

The team at Warwick Tourism & Events love festivities, because that's what they do - events. Christmas is no different. In fact Christmas is always a little bit different because everyone is doing the same thing at the same time - you don't need to convince people to get into the theme - they already are, whether they like it or not!

Christmas is like a huge fence that everyone is rushing towards and that somehow obscures the view of what's going to happen next.......

Not at Warwick Tourism & Events, they are planning events for next year, most of them keep wondering why they are signing the date 08 instead of 09.

Of course they're still knee deep in tinsel, humming Christmas ditties and wondering how best to display the Christmas lights. In fact Warwick's Christmas line-up is impressive, with Race Days, Markets, Santa, Reindeer, Jazz (of course), Santa Paws, Bush Christmas, Carols, Santa again, Fireworks and Carols again..... it seems Warwick's still offering everyone some kind of FUN!

Country Christmas Wishes from the Queensland Country Town of Warwick and all the Team at Warwick Tourism & Events - have a fun filled New Year!