Community & Business
28 September, 2023
Queens welcomed at Torimba festival
RAVENSHOE is a hive of activity as the 2023 Torimba Festival season kicked off for the 54th year.
The most recent event, held at the Ravenshoe Memorial Bowls Club, on 16 September, saw the young Torimba Misses and Master selected. There was also a Fashion Parade and Meet and Greet, with the Torimba Queen entrants and their sponsors presented to the community.
Appointing community ambassadors in different age groups is an integral part of the Torimba Festival.
The 17-24-year-old ladies vying for winning the Torimba Queen contest are selected on a number of community influenced criteria, local history knowledge and fundraising.
They learn to interact in a community and a business context with the assistance of their sponsors, helping to promote local business and the region.
The younger Miss and Master Torimba age group includes entrants born in 2018.
At the meet and greet, two Miss Torimbas were chosen, Skylar Dobson and Sophie Woodleigh and the Master Torimba is Leo Lee Sye.
Torimba Festival Committee member Ruth Juler said all contestants seemed to enjoy the day and were models of good manners and politeness at the high tea.
“We are thankful to the Bowls Club for the fantastic high tea and hosting the afternoon,” Ms Juler said.
Torimba Queen 2023 contest has attracted eight entrants with the winner to be crowned at the Torimba Ball on Saturday 21 October.
“With so many queens this year, ball tickets will sell out quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out.”
The Barn in Ravenshoe supplied outfits and accessories to each of the Queen entrants at the fashion show.
“The Queen Entrants worked together well, showing off their styling prowess in the outfits they chose for the fashion show. It was a fun afternoon with a great community feel,” Ms Juler said.
“We are very grateful to see local businesses supporting the younger generation.
“This year at Torimba is shaping up to be another fantastic year.
“Celebrating our time-honoured timber town heritage and our place in the hearts of many as a long-favoured hub for tourism.”
The Torimba Festival started (under that name) in 1969 and is an event held for more than two weeks with events, fun and something for everyone.
Celebrate the Festival themed ‘When I Grow Up’, from Saturday 7 October to Saturday 21 October.
More information on all of the events can be found at torimbafestival.com.au or on the Torimba Festival Facebook page.
An events calendar is featured in both areas online and paper copies are available in shops and businesses around the township of Ravenshoe.
