Blackheath’s Rhododendron Festival kicks off on Friday week, with the official opening at the festival’s 50th annual art show.
The mayor, Mark Greenhill, will do the honours on October 26 in a night open to everyone.
The art show provides a great opportunity to not only admire the range of works but also to add to personal collections.
There are eight categories, including oils, water colours, miniatures and a juniors section.
Art show supremo, Bob Reid, said the standard of works was invariably high, attracting entries from far and wide as well as from local artists.
The event at the Community Hall is catered for by Rotary, with a top quality selection of finger food plus endless beverages for the $25 admission charge.
Entertainment will be provided by the Steve Jewell Trio as well as the Heathens.
Rhodo Day is on Saturday, November 3, with the festival committee busy doing anti-rain dances.
Even if it’s still wet, the show goes on – bad weather has never stopped a Rhodo Day since the inaugural event in 1953.
A highlight of the day is the grand parade, which starts at 11.30am. There are also stalls in The Gardens, entertainment and rides in Govetts Leap Road, woodchopping at the Ivanhoe and roof bolting at the Gardners.
On the following Saturday, November 10, dress up in best cowboy gear and git on down to the first Rhodo Bush Dance.
An alternative this year to the usual Debs Ball (which will return next year), the Bush Dance promises to be a riot of music, performances and audience participation (think square dancing or line dancing).
Tickets are $55 and available at Richardson & Wrench in Blackheath or at www.trybooking.com.
The ever-popular Rhodo Revue, which takes the mickey out of some of the town’s people and politics, is on November 16-19. Tickets at Richardson & Wrench.
The festival continues with Jazz at the Pub on November 23-25 and the Rhodo Golf Classic on November 24.
