“It was awesome. We had over 6000 people and not one fight and no one smuggled any alcohol in. There was such a friendly atmosphere. The crowd was just so well-behaved. The bands were really good and the fireworks were incredible,” he said.
In addition to those who attended the official event, many watched the fireworks display from the Botanic Gardens car park and other locations around the city. The fireworks could be seen from as far away as Racine Restaurant near Nashdale.
The Party under the Stars featured live music, helicopter joyflights and children’s rides. McCormack Barber sponsored the $20,000 fireworks display, while Orange City Council, Bendigo Bank, Orange Ex-Services’ Club, Woolworths, Essential Energy and John Davis Motors contributed funding towards infrastructure costs.
Simon John Events managed the event with the assistance of volunteers from the SES, St John Ambulance and Rotary and Lions clubs. Money raised by the gold coin entry donations will be used by Orange Health Service to purchase burns equipment. Mr McCormack said the funds had not been tallied but said people had been generous. “Ken Barber and myself were just overwhelmed with how generous people were. People were putting in $20 and $50 notes. People walked down the hill at the end of the event just to throw more money in the buckets,” he said.
Mr McCormack is adamant the event will be “bigger and better” next year. “It proves that something like this was needed. The event is nothing unless everyone supports it. It was the people who made it good,” he said. “It was an amazing fireworks display. I’m hoping council will continue to support it,” he said.
