The annual celebration of love including the related cheesey-ness was on full show this past Saturday night at the “Stop the traffic” Valentine's Day party held by the Whitsunday Reef Festival committee. The enthusiastic bunch of volunteers that cross section the Airlie Beach social and business scene bought together a fantastic night attended by over 120 people.
The modest cover charge and great venue were noted reasons for the success of the event, compounding momentum from WRF 2009 and last year's inaugural “Stop the Traffic”. Singles auction, “money can't buy” auction, DJ and duo, Alice McDermott with Joel Woods filled the entertainment schedule, while palm reading, love messages and couples photos added to the valentine's atmosphere.
“What a great venue and great support” noted Steve McDonald from Airlie Beach music. Tireless supporter and committee member, Steve has is often found sweating it out in the background, and likely to be the one rushing to the bottle shop to replenish bar stocks as the over estimate crowd monstered the bar. “When we sat down in December to decide to conduct this event, the biggest hurdle was venue. Underground car parks, beach settings all seemed to difficult until Meriden Marina's Abel Point Marina offered the ideal space.”
The Abel Point Marina venue was an undoubted part of the success. The space made available makes for an ideal function room for parties, weddings or conferences. Wide bi-fold doors open to decking with fixed umbrellas, garden's and timber balustrade, with views over the blue lit waters of the marina and the big boat berths. Services are excellent also. There is public and paid marina car parking for drivers while the drop off circuit for taxi's and buses is immediately adjacent. Abel Point Marina is also now serviced by both Fantasea and Cruise Whitsundays for transfers to all island resorts.
On the night the venue was decor'ed by I Do Events, Divalicious and Airlie Beach Music to create the ideal atmosphere which all enjoyed. There were a range of other sponsors including Waters Edge, Airlie Day Spa, Zest, Airlie Beach Hotel, Airlie Summit, Fish D'vine, Deja Vu and ChannelWhitsundays.com.
Plans for Whitsunday Reef Festival 2010 are now in full swing, supported by a tidy profit provided by the event and the 2009 surplus. The committee is calling on interested fun seeking community minded people to join in organising the 2010 event. Visit the WhitsundayReefFestival.com.au web site for more information and contacts.
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