Rio bound for a great day out with carnival

It all kicks off on June 18 with the judging of the carnival floats at 1pm.

From there the carnival parade will wend its way through the streets of the town, heading off from Western Way to the Sandye Way arena.

Events include meeting the parade winners, tug of war, a guild display, a display from the fire brigade and live music from the band Kill The Captain.

The newly-elected Carnival Prince and Princess Lui Ahmetaj and Madison Applegate will help lead the parade along with Carnival Queen Jackie Horn, chosen as a special recognition for the Queen’s 90th birthday this year.

Stalls at the arena include Plant sales, Bottle pull, Wind chimes/lanterns, Handbags, scarves, Tombolas, Fishing tackle/chutneys, Beat the goalie, Children’s sand art and plate painting, Face painting, Fudge seller, Chicken in a basket game, a Sweetie stall, Crossbar challenge, Mini-tarot readings, Cup cakes and Gunns Bakery.

Carnival chairman Hayley Stewart said: “Please do come out onto the streets of Sandy somewhere along the route to show your support of all the hard work put in by the float organisers and to enjoy the spectacle.

“This years’ theme is RIO, so hopefully the parade will be full of excitement and action packed!

“This year again there is no charge for coming to the carnival so there are no excuses for not having a big turn-out.

“On the field and around the arena there will be there usual mix of stalls, tea tent, burger bar, beer tent and much more. So, do come along and ENJOY!

“The Sandy Carnival would not happen without the dedication and hard work of the committee members. I am incredibly fortunate to work with an amazing team of people.”

But Hayley has also issued a word of warning for next year’s carnival. “The carnival is run by a very small team of volunteers whose aim is to give the people of Sandy a fun day with a carnival procession and field events and stalls.   We now need your help.

“We are in real danger of being unable to organise a carnival next year as we need a working committee of around a dozen people to manage the many and vary aspects of organising the day effectively.  Several members of the committee are planning to step down (after many years on the committee) and we need new members urgently.  The planning cycle begins in October and there are monthly meetings through to the following June.

“This is one of the largest community events in Sandy and it would be a great shame if the carnival were to suffer the fate of so many carnivals/fetes and disappear due to lack of interest.  The meetings are fun and the day itself, although exhausting, is very rewarding. Please contact Hayley Stewart on [email protected]”