ESPERANCE residents and tourists were treated to a day of festivities on Sunday when the first Summer Cruise Festival took place in Andrew and Dempster Streets.
The Festival was created to celebrate summer fun and thank visitors for coming to Esperance.
Over 3,000 people attended, including as many as 450 visitors from the Athena cruise ship, which docked at the Esperance Port.
Tourists from the ship were ferried to town from the port by Redlion bus company with Brett Thorp from Chamber of Commerce and Industry conducting commentary and letting visitors know what was available in the town, and providing information on the community and its history.
“We had really good feedback from visitors, who said they loved the community spirit in Esperance, and enjoyed the festival,” Mr Thorp said.
The Esperance Brass Band, Esperance Boot Scooters, and Apex train, were in attendance and were all well received by those attending the street markets.
Many local businesses along the main street opened their doors to take part in celebrating the festivities and as many as 30 stallholders lined the streets.
Business owners and stall holders commented that the day was a success, with some stall holders saying they had the best day ever compared to other events they had attended.
The Museum Village hosted a Function Junction from 10am till 3pm with waterslides, bouncy castles and arts and crafts.
Esperance Shire Manager of Tourism and Culture German Ugarte said the day had gone even better than expected.
“We had great feedback, everyone at the Museum Village was happy, the local community was happy and so were visitors coming through.”
From 3pm until 8.30pm the Esperance Civic Centre presented a concert at the Soundshell with approximately 400 people in attendance. The main attraction was Melbourne band Tin Pan Orange and local bands White Orcas, Mary Janes, Yarn and Hailee also made appearances.
Esperance Shire CEO Mal Osborne said the Summer Cruise Festival was a sensational event.
“There was wonderful weather, crowds and entertainment on the day,” Mr Osborne said.
“It was also terrific to see so many shop owners open.
“Organisers for the day deserve a pat on the back, especially Marcus Tromp from the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Esperance Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Marcus Tromp said the day had a fantastic festival feel to it.
“Being the first festival of its kind the day went exceptionally well,” Mr Tromp said.
“A lot of work went into organising the day and there were many organisations and individuals who helped support the event to make it successful.
“The event could not have been possible without support from the Shire Council, who were fantastic to work with.
“Esperance Regional Tourism and Australia’s Golden Outback were also very helpful.
“The Civic Centre, Australian Temporary Fencing and Tru Blu Hire kindly donated fencing, labour and time towards setting up the sound shell concert, which was greatly appreciated.”
With the success of this year’s event, the Summer Cruise Festival looks like becoming an annual event for Esperance.
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