Festival of the Knob returns again

For the sixth year, the quiet folk out at Yorkeys Knob, are staging their Festival of the Knob.

The popular northern beaches event is is expecting 4,000 visitors.

"The enthusiastic committee are busy organising what will be another big family fun day on Saturday 12th June, Queen's Birthday Weekend," co-ordinator Maurice Milliner says.

"The theme this year is 'Yorkeys Knob and all that Jazz', so you can expect jazz music mixed with entertainment all day," Maurice says.

"We are also looking for volunteers who could help out for a couple of hours, manning the food and various other stalls," he says. "We're also wanting donations for our Bric-a-brac."

Last year the festival attracted attention from a different kind of knob, when local resident and self-righteous proclaimer of all things moral, objected to an appearance of the gay and lesbian choir, OutLOUD.

"There is a time and place for everything," Richard O'Halloran wrote. "I object to having a gay and lesbian choir... and having to explain who the hell they are to my son. Let's keep a bit of civil pride in our suburb. I am not homophobic, I enjoyed their routine but please keep it away from kids."

Was their singing that bad? Maybe their brightly-coloured shirts flipped O'Halloran over the top and made his son start mincing all the way home, whistling 'Have a happy gay'?

A highlight of the festival is the crowning of the "King and Queen Of The Knob”. Nomination boxes are located at Buzz-Aroma Café, Post Office and IGA. Past winners have included local policeman Anthony Kirkett, ABC personality Pat Morish, and SES volunteers Allan and Jenny Cullington.

Current King and Queen of the Knob, Gordon and Tricia Scoville, who have contributed to many community causes over the years, will step down from their royal duties at this year's festival.

"It's been a great year, and we have had bowing at us," Tricia laughed, who has been asked to officiate at functions during the year. "It's been an honour for us to be the King and Queen."

"If you have someone deserving in mind, please place your nomination in one of the boxes early," Maurice says.

Not only will the Richard O'Halloran Memorial Choir be back, the Cairns Ukulele group will perform in preparation for the inaugural Cairns Ukulele Festival in early July. There will fair rides (look for the voucher in Cairns Bulletin, or print it below), SES aerial chair, gourmet food, vintage cars and motor cycles, the arrival of ‘Yorkey’, along with 80 market stalls.

The Festival, that runs from 11am - 5pm, is a not-for-profit event organised by the Yorkeys Knob Residents Association.

• Email the co-ordinator Maurice (tel 4055 7804 or if you'd like to volunteer email Janine Aitken (Tel 0413 924 000)


• Print out the Festival Ride $3 voucher...