Editor's Note

Community spirit is high at this time of year!

With the Great Barrier Reef Festival last week and Airlie Beach Race Week setting sail today, I feel like we are sandwiched between two of the most exciting events of the year and the whole town is the tastiest filling, buzzing with life!

Symbolising our quintessential seaside lifestyle, both festivals offer a unique take on what makes us ‘us’ here in the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach Race Week lives true to the local saying – “a drinking town with a sailing problem” - with the nightlife just as good as the on-water fun.

I can’t wait to head down to the Festival Village myself this weekend to enjoy the contagious camaraderie of the event.

While Race week celebrates sailing, the Great Barrier Reef Festival showcases local culture in a different way – it’s a festival where the arts, the environment and families all come together to celebrate our wonderful way of life.

Last Friday, for the first time in my life, instead of watching the Lantern Parade weave past as a spectator, I actually took part in the event.

I loved the buzz of excitement as we all found our lanterns and the night revealed their special glow, the start of the procession as twinkling lights framed the horizon and the smiles on faces from those who cheered as we slowly strolled by.

It was a truly special experience.

After a busy week at the newspaper, I found the Parade a great reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment and absorb the good times.

Moving at a snail’s pace, my partner and I were able to take it all in and appreciate our special little family unit.

We watched the three children hold their lanterns, say hi to friends and enjoy being part of the performance.

A huge congratulations to the organisers for putting on another spectacular event.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “I hope that while so many people are out there smelling the flowers, someone is taking the time to plant some” (Herbert Rappaport)

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