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It was 20 years ago when the first Tumbafest was born.
A small group of friends were sitting around talking and enjoying local wine one afternoon in 1997 when they came up with the idea.
The first event was one day, held in the main street and attracted around 500 people.
Today the event is held at the Creekscape and last year attracted more than 3000 people.
A dedicated committee of 16 people, one event coordinator and more than 15 volunteers will help to bring the weekend together.
For the first 10 years the event was organised entirely by the volunteer committee before it became big enough to warrant hiring an event coordinator.
“The Tumbafest committee work throughout the entire year and give up their time to organise the event,” event coordinator Jessica Spratling.
“The focus of the event is on Tumba and bringing people back at other times of the year or for other events.”
The event aims to support local businesses while promoting the town. Everything for the event is sourced locally or in the region.
“It is a benefit to the people and the town, it really has put us on the map,” Ms Spratling said.
“People come from all over, it’s a great community event.”
While the event attracts plenty of people from out of town, it also brings back locals who may have moved away for work or study.
“Many local residents return to town for the event it’s a great time for reuniting and celebrating our town,” Ms Spratling said.
This feature is supported by:
- Tumbarumba Bowling Club
- Tumbarumba Shire Council
- Tumbafest
- Tumbarumba IGA
- Tumbarumba Caravan Park
- Warren Hulm & Son Tree Lopping
Twenty years on, the core aims of Tumbafest remain the same as day one. To showcase and celebrate cool-climate wines and fruit, local food and bring the community together.
This year’s event is on February 25 and 26 and has been sponsored by the local business Hynes Timber.
Over the two days there is music, food and wine on offer along with plenty of kids activities, the duck race, markets and cooking demonstrations.
The music is always a hit at Tumbafest. This year will see two headline acts to celebrate 20 years of the event.
Last year marked the introduction of the Blues Sunday which will be continued this year.
“We’ve put on a big lineup to celebrate, we want to attract people to this milestone event,” Ms Spratling said.
Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.tumbafest.com.au by clicking on the tickets tab.
WEEKEND PASS
Adult: $63.25
Junior (12 to 17 years, children under 12 free): $17.35
Aged pension: $37.75
SATURDAY ONLY
Adult: $42.85
Junior: $27.55
Aged pension: $12.25
SUNDAY ONLY