AnnanRoma 2017 at the Botanic Gardens Mount Annan draws big crowds

AnnanRoma 2017 at the Botanic Gardens Mount Annan draws big crowds.

The annual food festival AnnanRoma 2017 in its 10th year draws big crowds. The experience again met the expectations of Macarthur foodies and provided an enjoyable day for all attending. Lots  were still arriving after lunchtime with a constant stream of cars.

The overcast morning cleared up with lots of sun to brighten the saddest souls, with only a few clouds rolling in around lunchtime.

The festival held at The Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan was attended by thousands of keen Macarthur foodies eager to try to the offering from stalls run by local food outlets.

The foods stalls  was  set out along the roadway adjacent to the cafe and shop precinct. There were 32 vendors and as well as children's experiences running from 10.00am to 4.00pm,

There was Eat Street with gourmet hamburgers, chicken, sushi, noodles and other tempting dishes to try with local wines and beers.

The sweet tooth was looked after on Sweet Street with ice cream, pastries, chocolate strawberries, macarons, and berries with local coffees and teas.

The long queues at some of the food stalls did not deter any folk, while exercise the patience of some.

Music was provided at Lakeside stage and in the Connections Garden with a host of local talent.

The kids were looked after with Nature Play, Bush Tucker, Eco Art and Whose Poo, where you could guess who goes in must come out. Which garden visitor does this poo belong to?

The success matched the experience in 2016 when some stalls sold out and over 11,000 people attended from all over the Sydney area from far away including Mosman, Manly, Hills District and the Northern Beaches.

The success of today's event was not dampened by the rain that caused the postponement from early April. Botanic Garden's experience manager Rebecca Anderson predicted correctly the large crowds would enjoy the culinary delights.

Ms Anderson said that the festival experience had a stunning reputation that ensured the huge crowds will return in future.

Huge crowds at Picton's 2017 illumin­ARTe festival

There were huge crowds at Picton's 2017 illumin­ARTe festival this evening Saturday 29 April.

The cold did not deter the crowds with temperatures low enough to demand a coat and scarf. There were hosts of food stalls doing a roaring trade and one of the local cafes ran of out of take-a-way coffee cups.

There was light projects on a number of buildings including the old post office, bank building, church and council chambers.

There was lots for the kids to do out the front of the bowling club.

The crowds were so big that you were slowed to a shuffle in the rows between the stalls, The local families and their kids were out in force enjoying a night out.

There was plenty of musical entertainment at the various stages and the night was topped out with fireworks.

Macarthur author researches the stories of local diggers from the First World War

Cover of Book by Lauren Hokin (L Hokin)

A local Macarthur author Lauren Hokin has just finished a major research and writing project on the First World War Anzacs of the Macarther region. 

Lauren Hokin writes about the First World War

Lauren writes about the impact of the First World War on the our region and why she decided to write about it:

The First World War devastated many communities throughout the country. And this was no different for the small rural population of what is now the Macarthur Region. The Great War was one of the most momentous incidences of recorded history, and a catalyst for much of the events of the 20th Century.

Thus, it has become an integral part of Australia's national narrative. Its impact on our history, society and culture cannot be denied and must be understood if we are to know who we think we are. 

The sacrifice of so many who left for the battlefields and those who gave everything on the home front must be remembered and commemorated. However, with the passage of time, the names and stories of the countless brave men and women who served in the war and those on the home front are becoming lost. 

Back cover of Lauren Hokin's Book

The book, 'Anzacs of Macarthur: The Men and Women Who Served in the First World War,' by Lauren Hokin attempts to remedy this. The book denotes the war time narratives of each of the 1100 plus individuals from the area whom decided to serve and those who stayed behind struggling to deal with a catastrophic world crisis unaware that many of their loved ones would not return home.

So as a community, lets honour and never forget our fellow townsfolk who left for war so long ago but remain in our hearts.

Author 

Lauren Hokin 

Lauren Hokin is a local historian and author of 'Anzacs of Macarthur: The Men and Women Who Served in the First World War.' The book is  for sale for $60 and details the wartime narratives of soldiers, sailors, and nurses from the Macarthur area including Camden. 

If you   interested you can find Lauren  on Facebook Anzacs of Macarthur @macarthur.anzacs or email her at anzacsofmacarthur@gmail.com