Forecasts for rain across the long weekend was not going to scare organisers of the Bluewater Country Music Festival but that did not stop them from praying for clear skies. And, unbelievably, mother nature delivered.
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While the Bay experienced overnight showers, for the most part the days were clear meaning the full program of activities lined up for this year’s festival went ahead.
Nelson Bay’s CBD took on a real festival atmosphere this year.
Part of Stockton Street, decorated with blue and orange flag bunting, was closed to traffic on Saturday and Sunday to make room for a marquee. Chairs and tables filled the rest of the closed off street.
“It was fantastic closing off Stockton Street,” Ryan Palmer, president of Tomaree Business Chamber and a festival organiser, said.
“Events like this need a festival feel. It's about the bunting in the street, it's about market stalls coming along, the shopkeepers opening up and putting something out on the street.”
While there was singing in the Stockton Street marquee, there was also up to 30 buskers performing throughout the CBD.
Winners of the busking competition were announced on Sunday. Justess Jones took out the senior section. Runner up was Sandy Louise.
In intermediate, Sophia Chesworth was runner up. Trinity Woodhouse won. Brooke Thompson, 10, took out the junior category. Gnomes and Jess were runners up in the duo category. PJ and Stix, from Karuah, won.
The bunting and singing continued into Apex Park where there was another marquee and market stalls.
The festivities continued down into d’Albora Marinas; its stage was occupied by performers and music all weekend. In foreshore park was the Sacred Tree Markets.
About 300 line dancers took part in the bootscooting activities across the weekend.