Sunshine Festival returns to Geraldton after three year COVID hiatus

Geraldton’s longest-running festival is finally returning after COVID restrictions halted the iconic community event for three years and the theme this year is all about Gero. COVID restrictions pumped the brakes on The annual Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival between 2020 and 2023, but chairman Ian Fisher is looking forward to bringing back the event. Mr Fisher said the event was going into its 62nd year and will attract approximately 6000 people throughout the course of the day, celebrating the power of community with more than 55 stalls available. The volunteer committee of nine people have been working on this year’s edition of the festival since March and is excited to see the community response to the return. The show will run between 8am and 5pm at Stow Gardens on Sunday, October 1, with a float parade starting at Geraldton Courthouse and running along Marine Terrace. This year’s show has come back strong, with pony rides, motocross and performances on the main stage from 2pm, hosting local artists in 15-minute slots whether it be singing dancing or zumba. The event is entirely free and Mr Fisher has thanked the community for their involvement in the festival so far. “Without the community support, it would be nothing,” he said. Entries to the parade are encouraged, with $200 prize money awarded to first place, $100 for second and $50 for third, and can be submitted at sunshinefestival.com.au.