It’s been running on the last Sunday of every July since 1991, but this year the Northside’s favourite festival had a different feel.
With Covid-19 restrictions putting an end to large gatherings, the Einbunpin Festival Committee had to brainstorm a virus-safe way to bring the community together.
And the solution was virtual, the committee announcing in June the festival would run for a month on social media.
Traditionally around 160 community groups and stallholders would set up in Einbunpin Lagoon park offering free entertainment and delicious culturally diverse food.
This year those same groups were encouraged to submit pictures, videos, songs, recipes and information online instead, to be shared on social media.
On July 1, local Councillor and festival chair Jared Cassidy, launched the Virtual Festival with a Facebook Live video alongside much-loved local musician Pete Vance and Sandgate Town Crier Fred Krebs.
Throughout the month of July, the Einbunpin Festival Committee held the Bunpin colouring competition, a series of “where’s the bunpin?” photo competitions and even a virtual mullet toss – one of the festival’s most cherished games.
“While unfortunately we couldn’t celebrate the 29th Einbunpin Festival in person, stallholders this year had the opportunity to take their products and offers online,” Cr Jared Cassidy said.
“We’ve been working behind the scenes to plan a bigger and better festival for 2021 and make it easier for stallholders, performers and locals to be part of the festival.”
Visit the Einbunpin Festival Facebook Page to check out this year’s online treasures, and to keep up to date in the lead up to the 2021 festival.
