By HARRY CLARKE
THE town of Jandowae is primed for an influx of former locals and tourists from afar as its growing Timbertown Festival returns for the first time since 2018.
The local showgrounds will come alive on Saturday June 11 for the biennial community celebration, which pays tribute to Jandowae’s heritage as a timber cutting and exporting hub.
With a new, invigorated young committee taking the helm over recent events, president Glen Little said preparations were “over the peak and on the downhill run” to possibly the biggest Timbertown Festival yet.
“It’s about promoting the town of Jandowae and what it used to be about – and what it still is a little bit – the great timber industry and bringing the community together,” Little said.
“There used to be 10 sawmills operating in the district and Jandowae used to be a big town of timber cutters and exporters.
“It’s important not to let go of our history, to remember what Jandowae was and why the town is here to start with. Jandowae was built on timber and it’s still here today.”
Naturally, many of the novelty events, exhibits and activities to be held throughout the festival are centred around timber.
Visitors will see any timber of timber cutting displays and competitions – a variety of wood chopping races, chainsaw races and sculpting contests to name a few.
There will of course be the parade with 30-odd floats from the district’s businesses, clubs, and schools, as well as colourful markets and countless kids’ activities (such as an aerial lolly drop – a new addition).
“One of the events we started in 2018 was the Timber Man Challenge and it proved to be really popular,” Little said.
“Teams from all over the district go through an obstacle course – loading and unloading timber and that sort of thing. This year they have to build a house as part of the course.”
The Timbertown Festival comprises various events running from Thursday June 9 until Sunday June 12, but the main festival day will be held on the Saturday June 11 at the Jandowae Showgrounds.
Accommodation in Jandowae has been all but booked out over festival weekend, but free shuttle buses running from Dalby and Chinchilla have been organised to cater for those staying in the neighbouring towns.
“We had close to 6,000 people at the last event and the crowd really covered a whole spectrum of people – families, groups of young friends and caravaners”.
Festival entry is $10 for adults and free for those under 18. Many events at the showgrounds can be entered free of charge.
For more information, including a the full program of events over the four days, visit the Jandowae Timbertown Festival website.