Snapshot in Time: Recalling when camel rides in Maitland Park were a fixture of Geraldton’s Sunshine Festival

When was the last time you saw camels in Maitland Park? Camel rides were quite a regular fixture at the Sunshine Festival providing entertainment along with much “fun for all the family”. The event pictured, sponsored by the Geraldton Building Company, saw locals mingle among exhibitions, refreshment stalls, square dancers, boot scooters, tai chi, belly dancers, dog training workshops, African drummers, bouncy castles, play equipment, a merry-go-round, kid’s tent collages, bubble pipers, face painting stations and charismatic TV personality Doopa Dog. Throughout the weekend all the old favourites were also rolled out including dragon boat racing, fancy dress pet parade, sand sculptures and pavement art. In 1996 there was the first inclusion of a festival talent quest with Rob Sarkhi taking out the grand prize for his singing performance, winning a trip for two to Cairns. Festival director Jackie Gill said thousands of people flocked to the city to revel in the celebrations and, no wonder with The Geraldton Guardian stating that the weather was simply “glorious”. Photo caption: Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au