On 16 April 1958, a group of representatives from numerous local organisations gathered to create a committee to organise the first-ever Water Festival.
The first official Water Festival Committee members, known as Office Bearers, were Chairman Cr E. W. Ford, Secretary Mr R. L. Weatherstone, Assistant Secretary Miss J. M. Kruckow, and joining them were committee members, R. Rossiter, M. Towers, C. Richards, H. Wade, W. Saxby, L. M. Stockham, and S. M. Green.
The committee developed various ideas, and plans for the festival, and floated the idea of introducing a Queen Competition, where a “Mermaid Queen” who fundraised the highest total would be crowned at a ball held on the Friday following the street procession. The initial brainstorm as published by the original Advocate, also included “an ugly man competition”, as well as the traditions the community now adores like decorated floats, and shop window displays. Additional proposed ideas included a garden competition, decorative lights for an evening display, a water display, sporting tournaments, Choral Society entertainment, religious events and even a spear-driving competition.
The date was set, and the first official Burdekin Water Festival was held in Ayr from 12 – 14 September. Described as “Brilliantly Successful” by The Advocate, the procession ignited Queen Street with thousands of locals in attendance. With spectacular shop window displays and even more spectacular floats lining the sides of the bustling street, the community enjoyed the festivities all throughout the day, and well into the night.
The 1958 Water Festival Ball as organised by the Ayr Rotary Club, was held on Friday 19 September at the Caledonian Hall, and the celebrated crowing of the first festival queens took place. The Queens gathered at the Shire Chambers to meet with the official party and then proceeded to the Caledonian Hall where they met Mr and Mrs C. Dempsey – representatives of the Ayr Rotary Club. Miss Val Pegoraro, Kalamia Queen (nominated by the Kalamia Mill Suppliers Committee), was crowned the winner, with Miss Dawn Chapple, Pioneer Queen (nominated by the Lower Burdekin Junior Farmers Club) announced the Runner Up, and Miss Mary Blakoe, Sports Queen (nominated by the Ayr Rifle Club), taking third place.
The Burdekin Water Festival holds a treasured place in the region, and the continuation of the event in 2024 holds great significance, and stands testament to the great dedication of the extraordinary members within the community.
The man who first dreamed of establishing what has now become one of the most treasured events in Burdekin history was Mr Bob Saxby. In the words published by The Advocate in 1958, “What a splendid reality that dream turned out to be”.
Caption: The crowning of the first Water Festival Queens, L to R Miss Dawn Chapple, Miss Val Pegoraro, and Miss Mary Blakoe.
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