AS the sun went down at Beaudesert on Friday, the lights came on and the rain started to sprinkle but nothing was putting a dampener on the festive atmosphere as families, friends and complete strangers came together to join in the fun.
From the prizewinning baked goods, horticulture and fine art displays to the excitement of sideshow alley, people seemed to be enjoying every minute of the spectacular event.
People were slightly damp but grateful for the rain, and stayed to enjoy the free entertainment that included a performance by the Redlands Ladies’ Drumming Corps, who marched out in the rain without missing a be’sat.
Peggy Leslie, who has been with the drumming group for 20 years, said there were 16 women in the band but only 10 were in Beaudesert for the show.
“I joined the band when I saw them in the local paper,” she said.
“It took me a few months to learn how to drum but I have made such good friends in the band. We practice one a week and perform on most weekends.”
The crowd really enjoyed the Buffalo Bill style Wild Wild West show, with children cheering and laughing at the cowboys’ antics in the arena.
There was no shortage of punters trying to win a prize in sideshow alley or enjoying the thrill of the funfair rides.
It would seem the showbags did not disappoint this year, with children all smiles as they inventoried their acquisitions towards the end of the evening.