Gnome communities throughout the Blue Mountains, Penrith districts and beyond are very excited.
Blue Mountains City Council recently announced plans to move the gnome ‘village green’ on Glenbrook Park – home of the annual Australia Day Gnome Convention to a new, high profile site next to the Glenbrook Cinema car park and between the Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre and the Glenbrook Park toilet block.
Lower Blue Mountains Rotarians and Gnome Grand Master David Cook have worked with long-time sponsor Rick Goehner of GoEnviro Landscapes of Blaxland to design and construct the convention area.
However, Rick and Libby are unable to assist with the set-up of the new site this year and grand master David Cook is especially keen to hear from community volunteers who may have special skills for landscaping displays. Work commences on Thursday, January 25, and interested volunteers should contact David Cook or his wife, gnome mistress Carolyn Cook, on 0439 494 835.
Traditionally, the highlight of Australia Day celebrations in Glenbrook, the Australian Gnome Convention is in its 14th year and attracts thousands of family visitors every year.
Popularity is expected to soar on January 26 as visitors flock to see the new area, to take part in the gnome parade and official opening ceremony of Gnome Village Green.
Since inception, the Australian Gnome Convention has been staged on the site immediately east of the Glenbrook CWA rooms in Park Street. The move is part of Blue Mountains City Council’s plans to upgrade the entire Glenbrook Park area.
Local residents are encouraged to come in gnome dress, take part in the opening parade and vie for the plethora of special prizes.
The gnome fancy dress parade will leave the new Gnome Convention site and move to the entertainment tent site at 1 pm for official judging. Members of the public – young and old – are urged to take part and add to the spirit and atmosphere of Australia Day on Glenbrook Park.
The Glenbrook business community has thrown its weight behind the move to the new site and will sponsor another Glenbrook ‘Gnome Hunt’ featuring various shops and restaurants with gnome displays.
All of the favourite components of past Gnome Conventions, such as the gnome train and Dr Clark’s Gnome Repair/Painting surgery will again be part of the Gnome Convention in 2018. This is an incredible service and Dr Clark will take any gnomes home for special treatment, if he does not have time to complete all ‘surgery’ on the day.
One of the other outstanding attractions of the Australian Gnome Convention each year is the souvenir shop mounted by Trevor Lloyd and Marianne Lloyd.
There will be hundreds of gnomes available for repainting by children of all ages. Children will be able to buy a ‘white’ gnome, sit down in a shaded area with poster paints supplied by the Gnome Convention, and repaint the gnome in their own design. Parents of course can supervise.
Gnome Master Trevor Cook is keen to encourage entries in the new ‘Gnome House’ competition, and very keen to encourage adults and children alike to come in their creative gnome costumes.
To cater for increased interest this year, updated competition categories are:
- Aussie Gnome
- Sporting Gnome
- Celebrity Gnome (new category)
- Best decorated Gnome – Senior
- Best decorated Gnome – 12 and Under
- Best Corporate Gnome display
- Rotary District Governor’s Choice Award
- Australia Day Ambassador’s Choice Award
- Best Gnome House (new category)
Prizes are donated by Mountain Blue Café in Glenbrook, the Blue Mountains Leisure Centre at Glenbrook Pool and other sponsors.
Organisers are always pleased to welcome community volunteers to help with the set-up and dismantling of the Gnome Convention site. Contact David or Carolyn Cook on 0439 494 835 to obtain further information and register your name and contact details.
For more details visit the Australian Gnome Convention Facebook page.