By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Man-made snow has been forecast for Stanthorpe later this month, as part of Snowflakes in Stanthorpe.
THE inaugural Snowflakes in Stanthorpe will be launched these school holidays, with the main street and creek to be adorned in a winter wonderland theme complete with snowflakes and snowmen.
With the region blanketed in snowy white frost this morning, organisers remain optimistic that prevailing weather will remain for the five-day festivity from Sunday June 30, to Friday July 5.
Granite Belt Wine and Tourism marketing manager Sarah Reeves said every year residents remained hopeful for a drop of snow like that of 1984.
“But this year we decided to make our own snowy fun, complete with all the trimmings,” she said.
“Although, with temperatures this week set to remain around -2 degrees to 12 degrees each day, it is hard to tell which way the wind will blow.”
The event will be launched on June 30 from 10am to 2pm at Markets in the Snow, which promises to deliver snowflakes, a snowman-making competition and snowball throwing for the young and young at heart.
“The snowman competition will start at 11am for three to 12-year-olds and 12:30 for people 13 and above, while adults can sit back and taste top drops from nationally recognised winemakers and sample winter warming food,” she said.
“This will all be enjoyed along the picturesque creek near the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, and while we hope for the real thing, a snow machine will create that perfect winter feel.
“Local musical talent will be busking among the crowd, market stalls will be selling homemade goodies and gourmet treats – we even have a special snow dog on hand to pull anyone out of the snow if needed.”
The main street of Stanthorpe will continue to celebrate the chilly season with snow themed window dressings, a giant snowman and snowflakes in the piazza from 10am to 1pm daily.
The event is part of Brass Monkey season as the region celebrates its place as the coldest region in Queensland. Accommodation will book out quickly so we advise people to book in advance.
For details, contact the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre on 1800 SO COOL or visit the What’s on section of the website www.granitebeltwinecountry.com.au
