Ambassadors are off to the races

Out of everyone’s control is the weather but, with the cheers from the racing crowd plus claps of thunder, Stanthorpe Race Day certainly was one storm of a day.
Despite near deafening competition from the heavens and before the day had to be officially cancelled after just one race, the 2012 Apple and Grape Young Ambassadors were presented with their sashes by 2010 festival title holders, Lauren Grubic  and Zoe Dunlop, as part of the festival sponsors’ launch.
“We are extremely grateful to our major festival sponsors Seven Network, Southern Free Times and Rebel FM, plus generous grants from Events Queensland Regional Development Fund, Southern Downs Regional Council and Regional Arts Development Fund for multicultural entertainment.  This is a partnership with Arts Queensland and our regional council to support local arts and culture,” Apple and Grape Harvest Festival president Keith Barnett said.
Mr Barnett acknowledged that the continued support from The Stanthorpe Jockey Club to allow the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival to be included in this special day is very much appreciated and so is the sponsorship from Heritage Building Society and Health & Daily Living Solutions.
“Special thanks to long-time supporter, John Jurgs from Showcase Jewellers who, for 10 festivals over the last 20 years, has provided each Apple and Grape Young Ambassador with a specially designed stirling silver pin,” he said.
“To Ivy Graham of Goldstone Jewellers, many thanks for giving crystal glass bowls to each Young Ambassador and Perfection Fresh for assistance in introducing the Young Ambassadors at race day. Thanks to Greg Thouard who, as emcee, hung on to the microphone despite the lightning!”
The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival 2012 runs from March 2-4, 2012 and the Festival Young Ambassadors Awards will be announced at the Gala Ball on Friday, March 2.
Visit www.appleandgrape.org for more details.