September 12, 2016
Guests at the annual Heritage Nanango Country Music Muster got to enjoy something completely different this year: a taste of the South Burnett, and tours of Nanango.
The new additions to the Muster’s offerings were an initiative of the Nanango Tourism and Development Association (NaTDA) and both performed above expectations, according to NaTDA president Gloria Kirkness.
NaTDA members volunteered time to man a stand in Nanango Showgrounds’ main hall during the Muster which was stocked with a wide range of South Burnett foods and wines.
Wares on offer ranged from Peanut Waggon peanuts through to Guru Bill’s ginger beer, wines from Cranes Winery and Moffatdale Ridge, Booie liqueurs and locally produced honeys and jams.
While all lines proved popular with the estimated 3000 visitors who packed the Showgrounds for the course of the four day event, the most popular item turned out to be Cranes Winery’s port.
“I can’t believe how much of this we’ve sold,” Gloria said.
“We were offering it for $20 a bottle or three for $50, and sold out the first day.
“So the next day we restocked with 5 litre casks and they went even faster.”
Outside the Showgrounds, NaTDA members Barry Green and Terry Mackrell were running bus tours of Nanango’s historic sites for visitors who wanted a break from the non-stop music, and that initiative also proved a winner.
Barry said he’d originally planned to drive the bus while giving a running commentary, but discovered he used his hands for talking more than he realised.
So Terry volunteered to be the driver while Barry gave the commentary from the passenger seat, which turned out to be safer for all concerned.
“I’ve had several people tell over the last few days they’ve been coming to the Muster for years, but had never realised that Ringsfield House was just around the corner from the Showgrounds,” Barry said.
“I’ve also had more than a few tell me that now that they’ve seen what Nanango has to offer, they plan to come back for a more in-depth look.
“So I guess you could say this was an effective tourism promotion.”
Inside the Showgrounds, Nanango Show Society organisers were also very happy with how this year’s Muster panned out.
The grounds were packed with 750 caravans by Friday morning – 100 more than last year – and apart from a few technical problems that were quickly fixed, everything ran smoothly.
Even wet weather on Saturday failed to dampen patrons’ enthusiasm, thanks to the extensive covered areas overlooking the main ring the Show Society has installed in the last few years.
The festival, which celebrated its 14th outing this year, has become a popular stopover on the “grey nomad” circuit.
The official opening was performed on Friday morning by Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, following the singing of the national anthem and a flag-raising ceremony.
Cr Duff, wearing a new pink Akubra she purchased especially for the event, cut a pink ribbon and wished everyone a great time.
