Published on Thursday, 13 June 2013 at 12:00:00 AM
Spanning three days from June 7-9 the Passion of the Pilbara Festival 2013 offered a variety of hands-on activities to help celebrate the joys of living a rich life together in the Pilbara.
The event kicked off at the Onslow Community and school, with market stalls to browse throug
h and a variety of performances to entertain everyone. The very popular Akwaaba African drum and dance performances created an exuberant atmosphere throughout the garden and onlookers were encouraged to participate and learn how to beat the drums themselves during their workshops.
Arty Brellas were set up ready for children to bring to life as they each painted the paper umbrellas with their own designs and the amusement rides available to the children were free of charge thanks to the fantastic generosity of our sponsors bringing the entire event to the community.
In the community garden kitchen the Celebrity Chefs, Don Hancey, Peter Manifis and Carl Maseyk cooked up a storm providing audiences with demonstrations and tastings. Linley Valley pork rissoles, delicious chickpea salads, fresh oysters and prawns and many more delectable morsels tantalized the taste buds! They even managed to bring with them an impressive 500kg wood fired grill which they used to cook scrumptious Linley Valley pork, lamb, beef and potatoes which left everyone wanting more.
As the festivities wound down at the garden focus shifted over to the war memorial and along the boardwalk where people positioned themselves to get the best views fo
r the fireworks show.
The amazing fireworks impressed all as they lit up the dark Pilbara sky and reflected along the water’s edge.
Following the fireworks it was the town oval that the night time fun began. Bands played for audiences while the carnival games and amusement rides were enjoyed by many and the aroma from food vans dotted around the edge of the oval wafted across the crowd!
The evening entertainment had a fantastic selection of music - there was a song for 
everyone whether it was the country hoedown with the Kelly Gang or the pub rock sounds of Sophie Jane and the Chilly Bin Boys. The live music created a fun and relaxed environment for the residents and visitors of Onslow to let their hair down and have a dance amongst friends.
The entire weekend was a great success and the Big Idea’s Box provided opportunity for people to give ideas of how they felt about the event and what else could be brought to the next festival!
Organised by Peta Hayto, Shire of Ashburton Community Services Manager, the Passion of the Pilbara Festival 2013 focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing Onslow’s sense of community and the festival was an ideal way to bring everyone together to appreciate this amazing place we call the Pilbara!
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