Townsville residents will be going pineapple mad in August with the Pineapple Festival at Rollingstone, thanks to a $21,692.53 community grant plus fee waiver of $2,318.18 from Townsville City Council.
The festival, which has been running for 15 years, relies completely on local volunteers and celebrates the pineapple industry which has been a major economic driver for the Rollingstone district since before World War II.
"This is an incredibly affordable day out for the family with a gold coin entry to enjoy everything relating to pineapples," Business Services and Finance Committee Chairperson Margie Ryder said.
"Generations of local families have worked in the pineapple industry around Rollingstone, and their pineapples are enjoyed all over Australia every year so it's worth celebrating."
Cr Ryder said the Rollingstone and District Lions Club and other volunteers provide a fun day with a tropical theme, music, entertainment, markets and food stalls. Everyone is welcome: kids, teenagers, young people, adults, and senior members of the community.
"Following last year's success, it's great to see Rollingstone planting itself as the pineapple capital of the north," Cr Ryder said.
"Council appreciates just how much work volunteers put into the festival to make it a success, and we want to support the Rollingstone and District Lions Club because it has grabbed the pineapple with both hands to put Rollingstone on the map.
"Rollingstone's location means it's an easy drive from Townsville City and Ingham, so it's not surprising that more than 2,000 people want to get a bite of the action at the Pineapple Festival."
Families can enhance their enjoyment by exploring the beautiful Northern Beaches of Townsville in the vicinity.
The superb sand beaches are ideal for a relaxing time after a busy day. They can also extend their weekend by experiencing free camping at the Balgal Beach RV site. Book online here at Bookable.
"I'm looking forward to catching up with Pineapple Pete and the rest of the crew and I'll be dressed to match the tropical theme," Cr Ryder said.
The Pineapple Festival will be held at Pace Park, Rollingstone, on Saturday 26 August, with more details available on the event's Facebook page.
