Rosewood Festival promises family fun

IPSWICH residents are reminded to mark September 3 to 5 on their calendar so they can attend the annual Rosewood Festival.

Now in its second year, the festival will be held at various locations in Rosewood and showcase local talent, arts, crafts, produce, music and much more.

Community Engagement Committee Chairperson Councillor Heather Morrow said the event was sponsored by council and was expected to be bigger and better than last year.

"It has been designed to promote Rosewood and its residents as well as attract more visitors," Cr Morrow said.

"The program includes a masked ball, street parade, Scouts on Show, Rosewood Rock, street art, country carnival, as well as a camp draft and the Father's Day Ute and Truck Show.

"On September 3, a masked ball will be held at the Rosewood State High School and will include business awards, a three-course meal and entertainment.

"Tickets for the ball cost $45 and can be bought from the Rosewood Post Office, Bendigo Bank (Rosewood) or from council's Division 10 office in John St, Rosewood until September 1."

Cr Morrow said two new events were being held this year at the showgrounds (1 Railway St) on September 5.

To celebrate Father's Day, we are having a Ute and Truck Show which will display the biggest and the best of all types of vehicles.

"It will be held from 9am to 3.30pm and if you would like to enter your vehicle, call 0412 011 443.

"From 6.30am that same day, the showgrounds also will be lively with action at the camp draft.

"It is open to professional and amateur riders and will be a thrill to visitors who have never seen a working horse and its rider in full action and what they are capable of doing.

On September 4, Rosewood will be bustling with numerous free events on offer.

From 9am to 11.30am, local Joey Scouts will be at the Community Park (opposite the IGA store) at 27 John St playing games and hosting activities for children aged between six and eight years who may want to join.

Division 10 Councillor David Pahlke said there was entertainment for all ages.

"For those young at heart, get your dancing shoes on and join local dancing group, Just Rock Ipswich, during Rosewood Rocks from 9am to 11.30am at the Rosewood Ipswich City Council office carpark in John St," Cr Pahlke said.

"Young musicians will be keen to show their talent during the Park Jam event being held from 9am to 11am on September 4 at the allotment beside the Country Women's Association hall on the corner of John and Railway Streets.

"Local youths are invited to perform and can register at rosewoodparkjam@hotmail.com or call 0432 286 218.

"Rosewood State High School art students will host a display and demonstration of street art from 9am to 11.30am in the IGA arcade and people are invited to come along and add to the canvas," he said.

Cr Pahlke said the afternoon program on the Saturday would start at noon with free entry into the country carnival at the Rosewood State Primary School in John St.

"It will be five hours of family fun and entertainment with rides, stalls, food, entertainment, demonstrations and so much for everyone.

"A street parade also will be held from 12.30pm with a range of floats, characters, displays and costumes for all to enjoy. It will start at the Johnston Park and finish at the carnival.

"If you would like to be part of the parade, call 0432 286 218 or e-mail my divisional office at div10office@ipswich.qld.gov.au," Cr Pahlke said.

Cr Pahlke said the council carpark in John St would be the venue for the unique dining event Tables for Ten from 7pm to 11pm on September 4.

"A table of 10 people costs $60 and includes entertainment, trivia quiz and street performers.

"Gather your friends to share a dining experience of a difference and bring your own food or support local businesses by pre-ordering takeaway. It is a fully licensed event so drinks will be available.

"Diners are invited to decorate their table and dress in theme as there will be prizes for the best themed table and best dressed male and female.

"For more details about Tables for Ten, call 5464 1088 or tickets can be bought at the Rosewood National Australia Bank or my Division 10 office.

"Rosewood is only 25km west of Ipswich so is a nice leisurely drive or a 20-minute train ride for the entire family," Cr Pahlke said.

Cr Pahlke said those attending the masked ball were encouraged to buy masks made by local students.

"In the weeks leading up to the festival, masks created by Rosewood State School's year five, six and seven students will be on sale.

"Orders for these masks can be placed by calling my council office on 5464 1088," he said.

For more information about the Rosewood Festival, contact council's Division 10 office at 20-22 John St, Rosewood or call 5464 1088.