Camels gallop back to the country

The small town of Tara is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors to the area for the one-of-a-kind festival that is the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races.

The popular biennial event will run from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August and invites locals and visitors to experience a unique blend of multi-cultural entertainment and authentic camel races.

The festival is run by the Tara Festival Committee, a community based not-for-profit association, with the support of Western Downs Regional Council, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government.

One of the most popular events during the festival is the camel races which bring some of Australia’s top camel jockeys to the region to battle it out for the Tara Camel Cup.

The races are run over Saturday and Sunday with six races occurring on both days, each race being followed by the nail-biting yabby races on the trackside.

The multicultural side of the festival incorporates a range of exotic cuisine, live entertainment and art from all over the world.

As if the multicultural events and camels wasn’t enough to attract the crowds, other events and activities feature helicopter rides, mechanical bull riding, main street markets and amusement rides.

Spokesperson for Economic Development Councillor Donna Ashurst is looking forward to another successful year for not only the festival but the local businesses as well.

“During this time of year, the population of the town swells and the local businesses thrive, which is a fantastic boost for a small community,” she said.

“It’s such a significant event that celebrates the diversity in Tara and the wider region, people always leave smiling and I can’t wait for a weekend of fun and festivities.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the Festival as well as what the Tara district and the Western Downs Region has to offer.

“It will also be a great opportunity to showcase our latest placemaking initiative, the giant new mural that is currently being painted along the storefront of the old FoodWorks store.”

The Tara Festival will run from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 August with tickets available on the website.

For more information or to check out the program, head to the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races at www.tarafestival.com.au.

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Media Contact:

Brianna Allen l Communications & Marketing Officer l 0419 208 600