"In the beginning"

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The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily the views of the blog management, (on the other hand, they are not necessarily not the views of the blog management).

No effort has been made to stay within the bounds of the truth in this blog as it has always been the view of the management that the truth should never be allowed to stand in the way of a good story.

Friday, August 18, 2006

The Gympie Muster.


It's The Gympie Muster time again, next weekend.


The Gympie Muster celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it has
grown from humble beginnings back in 1982 to a festival celebrated
by crowds of 25,000 per day, the muster is spread over 3 main days

and is held at the Amamoor State Forest just west of Gympie.

The true enthusiasts start to gather at Amamoor up to a month
before the Muster which is held on the last weekend in August
each year.


This weekend was chosen as it was statistically the driest period in
August, having said that there have been a few wet Musters, this
has not been enough to dampen (pardon the pun) the spirits of the
crowds who have still turned out in their thousands.

Sitting on “The Hill” at 10 pm under a million stars, in the brisk
night air, enjoying the music offers the chance to sample life’s
very best on offer.

This year there is a special bonus, my favourite daughter and her
husband will be here to share it, that’s the sort of bonus I really
enjoy.

Amamoor provides a perfect setting with a natural amphitheatre
located at the edge of a lightly wooded area ideal for the
“tent city” which will spring up as if by magic each year at Muster
time.

This “City” comes complete with all services including a Police
station, Ambulance service food and drink venues, souvenir
shops, and the all important 13 live music venues.

The cream of Australia’s country music talent are invited to attend
the Muster, and without exception grasp the opportunity to perform
before the largest and most appreciative crowds in Australia.



There is a main stage area located in front of “The Hill” where
entertainment is non-stop thanks to the dual stages set side by
side, while one act performs the next is set up behind the curtains
on the second stage, change over occurs after a decent time lapse
for the applause to die down.

The entire entertainment area is fenced of from the camping area,
you pay your entry fee, ($75.00 for a 15 hour day) and are then
free to wander between the 13 music/dance venues for the day,
pretty darned good value to see the best artists in the country.

The whole concept was the brain child of a group of country music
enthusiasts on board a bus to visit “Tamworth Country Music
Festival” in 1981, The Apex Club of Gympie took on the organization
of the event, and still run it to this day.

Many and varied charities and rural events have benefited from the
Muster, to the tune of $10 million over the years, making it an event
that can be supported with the knowledge that you are not only
hearing and seeing the best on offer but your dollars are being used
to help the rural community.

All on site workers are volunteers, so the money raised is
available to the selected charities, we Dips Our Lids to Apex and
their wonderful volunteers.

20 comments:

Merle said...

Hi Peter ~~ Good post. Glad to hear that Vicki and Rex are going to visit you and the muster. Thanks for your comments. I thought the politician one
would be appropriate in Queensland at
least. Take care, Merle.

Cazz said...

Hi Peter,

Living way down south, and in my own little cacoon, I have never heard of the Muster, but sounds like it would be a great weekend, I am a little envious !!!

Say "Hi" to Vicki & Rex and hope you all have a wonderful time.

Caz

Raggedy said...

Have a wonderful day!
*^_^
(=':'=) hugs
(")_ (")Š from da Raggedy one

JunieRose2005 said...

Peter,

Sounds like a lot of fun!!

June

Anonymous said...

now that is my kind of fun.

Jim said...

Wonderful, Peter. What is the population of Gympie. Much more on Muster Day!
'Wish I was there.'

In my hippie days I/we used to ride my motorcycle to the various parks, warehouses, and other music spots in Houston. It was great!

This is sort of like a Country Music Woodstock?
..

Hale McKay said...

That sounds like a great take, Peter. Enjoy the time with your friends and family.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you are going to have a wonderful time. Enjoy the music and the company and remember to take lots of photos.

Cazz said...

Hi Peter,

Me again !!! I couldnt believe it, sat down this arvo to watch a bit of TV and what do you think was the main advertising.. yep you guessed it "The Muster". I said to Ian, hell lets jump in the car and go, his reply.. are you nuts thats like 15hr drive. So might keep it in mind for next year! Do we need to pre book at "Holties House"???

Have fun
Caz

Big Dave T said...

Now I'm sure you know that "muster" here in the states, has a difference connotation, especially when taken in a historical context.

A colonial muster occurred when the local militia would gather to practice their shooting and marching skills, along with imbibing the local drink. Which led to the saying 'alcohol and gun powder don't mix.'

Jack K. said...

Thanks for the introduction to the muster. I am currently listening to Faith Hill.

Glad you daughter and her husband could join you.

Kelvin said...

Hello Peter, from across the ditch. That sounds very interesting, sort of like our "sweetwaters" festivals that used to be held in NZ.

On another another note, I am sending you an email with an address to mt Beta-blogger blog so you & Merle can have a look from the posting side. The front looks the same, but the back/posting side is totally different.
Krazy Kelvin

bornfool said...

I wish I could be there. Sounds like good times. Toss back a cold one for me.

Margaret said...

Have fun at the Muster,Try not to be too overpowered by the thought that some people will be working that weekend. Re my blog working Yippee! Yippee! Yippee! Cheers Margaret

DellaB said...

that'd be right, we are heading off down south, Tamworth way, later this week... I'd love to do the muster, thanks for the heads-up...

Cliff said...

What a great venue and bargain. I'm glad you don't have to travel far.

Merle said...

Hi Peter ~~ You will have seen Kelvin's comments, so I went and put
a post on and it worked. He has some
great idea. I like that he can trust you and me. Take care, Merle.

Anonymous said...

Just one question -- would i get to see Keith Urban? Sign me up. I could listen to him forever.

Enjoy!

Jamie Dawn said...

This sounds like great fun!
I'm sure the beauty of the surroundings only adds to the enjoyment factor.
I always love the food from the vendors at fairs, etc. For some reason, the food tastes extra good.
This is a wonderful event.

Jeanette said...

Hi Peter
TY for the well wishes and bithday wishes also, you got it right on the day 21st.
Have a great time at the Gympie Muster With Vicki & Rex. Might hitch a ride if Carol and Ian go next year.
oopps say Hi to Vicki and Rex please . Take care see you when your my way .