The curtain has come down on another Festival of Fisher’s Ghost and Campbelltown Mayor George Brticevic has flagged the possibility of changes in 2017.
Carnival rides, street stalls, a street parade, live music and family entertainment attracted thousands of people from across Sydney to Campbelltown City during the past two weeks, joining local residents in celebrating another festival.
The 10 day festival, one of the longest running community events in Australia, ended yesterday with crowds flocking to the Fisher’s Ghost Carnival, and others testing their endurance at the Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run.
Well supported events on Saturday included the rugby sevens at Campbelltown Showground and skate, scooter and BMX demonstrations by sponsored riders in Fisher’s Extreme Showcase at Camnpbelltown Skate Park.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr George Brticevic, said there was lots to see and do at this year’s festival, and he thoroughly enjoyed all the events he attended for the first time as mayor.
“I gave the Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run a go again this year – it’s been one of the highlights of the festival for me since I competed in primary and high school,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“We had new events like the interactive horror adventure, Dark Lake, a Family Fun Day which ran alongside the Fisher’s Ghost Carnival at Bradbury Park on both Sundays, and Party in the Park at Koshigaya Park on the first Saturday of the festival.[/social_quote]
“The talent on show at the popular Fisher’s Gig was outstanding again this year, while the Street Fair attracted shoppers to the street stalls on Queen Street, and families to Mawson Park, for entertainment and activities.”
Cr Brticevic congratulated the winners of the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost Street Parade, Fraternidad De Santiago, an Australian-Bolivian dance group which showcased traditional costumes and dances including Diablada, Tobas and Caporales.
“The vibrant and colourful Fraternidad De Santiago looked fantastic, and was a worthy winner of the overall prize.
“We had around 60 floats in this year’s parade, and I thank everyone who took part,” he said.
Cr Brticevic thanked residents for putting their community spirit on show for visitors to see, and festival sponsors who make the event such a success each year.
“In the lead up to next year’s festival, and with the help of feedback and suggestions from the community, we will be reviewing all the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost events and looking at ways to reinvigorate old favourites to help keep the spirit alive for many years to come,” he said.
The 2016 Festival of Fisher’s Ghost Street Parade prize winners were:
• First Overall ($800)
Fraternidad De Santiago
• Second Overall ($600)
Tartan Army
• Best Themed Sporting Team ($200)
Macarthur BMX Club
• Best Themed Performance Group ($200)
Millennium Dance Productions
• Best Themed Wheels and Hooves ($200)
NSW Rural Fire Service
• Best Themed Cultural Group ($200)
Fraternidad De Santiago
• Best Themed Community Organisation or Local Club ($200)
Campbelltown and Region Filipino Community Council
• Best School ($200)
Le Groove Dance Company
• Best Themed Band ($400)
Ingleburn RSL Pipes and Drums
• Best Themed Youth Band ($400)
Australian Air League
