Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This weekend will see the 37th staging of the Laura Folk Fair. Tucked away in the shade of majestic red gums on the banks of the Rocky River, the country town of Laura in the Southern Flinders Ranges is the boyhood home of celebrated Aussie poet CJ Dennis. This beautiful country town is known for producing delicious Golden North ice-cream—which is now being enjoyed in China, I might say—and for its tree-lined main street, which houses soap and gift shops, antique shops, book shops and even a cobbler. But one of Laura's most celebrated accomplishments is the annual Folk Fair, which will take place this weekend, 1 and 2 April.

The annual fair is quite simply the toast of the town and creates an atmosphere of celebration, music, art, fine food, crafts and fun. The fair reflects the fabric of the rich agricultural community that is Laura and its strong artistic culture. It features entertainment from literary events, an art exhibition, a fabulous bush dance and more than 100 stalls. CJ Dennis, who is immortalised in the main street in a larger-than-life copper sculpture, would be proud of his town—and so am I. I plan to attend the fair this weekend, enjoy an iconic giant twin—that is the ice-cream—and soak up the music, entertainment and fun of the fair. Congratulations must go to Folk Fair chair, Sue Scarman, and her hardworking committee for organising this great event.