November 29, 2016
by Megan Theobald
When was the last time you visited Maidenwell?
This coming weekend is flush with events in the small hamlet at the foot of the Bunya Mountains.
On Saturday (December 3) the J. A. Gorton Memorial Oval – formerly the Maidenwell Sportsground – will be officially opened at 3:00pm.
Over the last two years the oval has been levelled and upgraded with a caravan dump site, new water infrastructure, a community shed, and a new BBQ area and tables, all projects undertaken by the Maidenwell Community Group.
Afternoon tea will be supplied prior to the event, and there will be a chance to meet with guests from Nanango’s Heritage Bank, Stanwell and the South Burnett Regional Council, who all helped sponsor these projects.
The Gorton family who provided the original land for the oval and who are being honoured for their contribution to the town will also be present.
Later the same day, the annual Maidenwell Christmas Tree in Maidenwell Hall – now in its 51st year – will kick off at 6:00pm with a community sausage sizzle.
This will be followed by a special performance by Tanduringie State School students and a visit from Santa, and will be a chance for the community to get together for the festive season.
The Christmas Tree is for residents of Maidenwell and district only, and all locals are encouraged to attend.
However the monthly Maidenwell Markets on Sunday, December 4, from 8:00am to noon welcome all South Burnett residents and visitors alike.
The Markets feature an ever changing line-up of vendors, and you may be able to pick up some of your Christmas gifts and goodies there.
Bliss Buzz will be there with local honey, the Muffin Top Cupcakery with scrummy flavours like key lime pie, and Made in Maidenwell handmade jewellery and cards, as well as bric-a-brac, plants, pre-loved books and DVDs, along with a few quirky items for that Secret Santa gift.
The Maidenwell Community Group will also be on hand, manning the sausage sizzle and drinks stall.
To extend your stay once the markets have finished, why not stop for lunch at either of the town’s two eateries? The 100 year old Maidenwell hotel is famous for its pizzas and regular pig-on-a-spit nights, or you can settle down in King’s Vision across the road at the Trading Post for coffee and cake.
Or perhaps pop down to Coomba Falls – this waterhole with its granite cliffs is a beautiful setting for a picnic or some birdwatching.
For a tiny place, Maidenwell has a huge weekend ahead of it.
Why not come up for a visit? We’d love to see you!
