AN ESTIMATED 4000 people took advantage of the spring sunshine to enjoy the annual Gymea Lily Festival at Gymea Bay Public School last Sunday. The festival — the biggest fundraising event on the Gymea Bay Public School calendar — is held on the last Sunday in August.
Festival organisers Gymea Bay Public School P&C estimate about $40,000 was raised on the day for the school, which has 868 students this year.
One of the big attractions was the Lego brick show in the school hall, which attracted 2000 visitors to see the displays.
Other attractions included a reptile display from Symbio Wildlife Park, an animal farm consisting of 45 animals, Loftus Rural Fire Brigade vehicles, pony rides, sideshow rides and live performances.
There were 80 stallholders selling clothes, cakes, lollies, books, jewellery, coffee, fairy floss, ice-cream, toys, novelties and educational products.
Major sponsor was Tradies Gymea.
Gymea Bay Public School P&C festival co-ordinator Kylie Hewitt said she was extremely thrilled with the results of this year's event.
"Attendance was better than ever and we were certainly blessed with the weather," she said.
"With over 300 volunteers consisting of parents, students and teachers, the event ran seamlessly.
"The Gymea Bay Public School community put on a great event. We are all very proud of what we achieved together."
Funds from the event are yet to be allocated. This will be decided at upcoming P&C meetings in consultation with the school's principal Ray Pooley.