Ahhh The Memories!
After many celebrations, a little recovery and lots and lots of packing up, the Urban Country Team are almost resuming a life of normality following an awesome 2010 festival! However, the memories are still fresh of the droves of fans who came from all corners of the country to dance, sing and party at Caboolture. While there's too many to capture, here are some of the highlights of this year:
Debutants Get The Party Started
Friday night was set to sizzle as we kicked of the festival with the Burbs 'n Bush Party in Town Square. Thousands arrived to enjoy night markets, food, fireworks and some great entertainment by Rose Carleo. The rendition of Dolly Parton's 'Joelene' by Sista Burley was, in short, amazing. But the show was stolen by the 2 bands making their Urban Country debut. Ruckus and McAlister Kemp were phenomenal starting our 7th festival with a bang.
Burbs n Bush Party is proudly sponsored by Caboolture Sports Club
Pink and Green Should Never Be Seen...
A dashing outfit of green skirt, hot pink singlet and hot pink hat was the outfit of choice for the 2010 Best Butts Winner...Male Category. Yes, you read it correctly, the handsome young gent strutted his stuff in skirt and singlet at the Beaut Ute Competition on Saturday and took out the top prize. The Pro Utes F Team also earned bragging rights (and we think slightly larger ego's) when they won the Grand Prix Mazda Ute Pull. Other shenanigans included the Mower Run, spot prizes and the Ute Parade. From the hearty morning breakfast with 100 odd stunning utes on display to the live entertainment, competitions and displays, it's no wonder some are calling the Beaut Ute Competition the best in Queensland (not that we're bragging). Congratulations to all ute owners who won prizes on the day.
The Beaut Ute Competition is proudly sponsored by Grand Prix Mazda and supported by several other organisations.
   
Father and Daughter Surprise Appearance
Perhaps the best part of patrons' day in Town Square on Saturday was the surprise guest appearance of Bill Chambers at Songwriters Cafe. Bill joined Michael Bryers and Nik Phillips to share their songs and stories with possibly the biggest crowd in Songwriters history. And the fans were rewarded when Kasey Chambers joined her father Bill on the stage to perform one of their songs from the hugely successful Little Hillbillies album. Kasey then soaked up the Town Square atmosphere and signed autographs. Having artists of Bill and Kasey's calibre perform at one of our free events truly sums up the spirit of Urban Country and is certainly one of the best highlights of the festival.
Songwriters Cafe and Town Square is proudly sponsored by 101.5FM
Comical Genius at Bush Poets Breakfast
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So when it's served up in the form of scrumptious bacon and eggs with a side of comical genius from Greg North, it's fair to say we looked after the well being of many festival goers. Greg had the audience in stitches with his multitude of characters and creative flair. Each morning over 100 people flocked to the Historical Village to enjoy performances by Greg and fellow poets Wally and Mary Finch, Reg Thompson and Cay Ellem who once again sent patrons away with a full belly and a smile on their face.
Main Concert
As the crowds poured into the Main Concert the atmosphere was buzzing in anticipation for a huge night ahead. Fans were not disappointed as Amber Lawrence and Harmony James kicked off the day, and how good was it to have the legendary Diana Trask back on stage. As the sun went down, Beccy Cole and Troy Cassar-Daley got the dancers to their feet and the concert was in full swing. We're sure we are not alone in thinking that nothing can beat the sound of 5,000 people singing along to the legendary John Williamson. To top it off, Kasey Chambers and her band made an enormous impression for their first time on the Urban Country stage and a great night was had by all.
Main Concert is proudly sponsored by Caboolture Shire Herald
   
Dancing in the Streets
It is always with a great deal of hope and a small amount of trepidation when something new is added to the festival program. So imagine our delight when the crowds at the new Bluegrass Brunch were literally spilling onto the street. With the potential impact on traffic quickly rectified, the brunch proceeded to be a huge success. Crowds enjoyed the sounds of the Redlands Bluegrass Boys and The O'Donnell Family and a delicious feed from Hasking Street Cafe. Stay tuned for more Bluegrass in 2011!
Bluegrass Brunch is proudly sponsored by Mission Australia
Urban Blaze
Well there were no early bonfires and no busted thumbs this year but Urban Blaze still stole the show for many people over the festival weekend. The weather was perfect as over 4,000 people slowly gathered around 2 massive bonfires to enjoy a magical night of country music. Full credit goes to the 4 ladies who were brave enough to take on the braun of the Caboolture Snakes rugby league team in Tuff as Nails. Although not victorious, they won full points for determination. For the first time at Blaze we dazzled the crowds with fire twirling performances from Fire Tricks and a breathtaking display of fire whip cracking by James Whip Wilson. After a rocking party the revellers settled for a cosy night around the dwindling fires.
Urban Blaze is proudly sponsored by QUT
Where Would We Be Without You
There are three amazing groups of people that we need to thank, because without them, there simply wouldn't be an Urban Country Music Festival. Firstly, the Sponsors and Supporters. There is a large number of organisations, local businesses and community groups who support the festival both financially and through in kind support. Through their assistance we are able to offer our patrons a high quality festival and an amazing weekend of entertainment and fun. Thank you, thank you thank you!
Secondly, Dusty's Team, our amazing band of volunteers who give up their own time to help run every part of the festival from office work to merchandise, signs to information and everything in between. This year 73 volunteers contributed hard work, sweat and tears in the form of 2,675 hours. Wow! Dusty's Team is the heart and soul of our festival and we love every minute of their passion, dedication and spirit. Thank You! You are an inspiration to us all!
Thirdly, we'd like to thank You, the Punters and Fans who come to the festival and have such an amazing time. Without your support and attendance there would be no festival. So tell your friends and keep on coming, because at the end of the day, we're doing it all for you. Our biggest reward is the smiles on all your faces.
Dusty's Team of Volunteers are proudly sponsored by National Australia Bank
   
Check Out the Happy Snaps!
The Festival Gallery is now available online so be sure to check out the picutres and see if you're in one of them.
Don't forget to keep following us on Facebook throughout the year. We currently have 605 fans and counting.
 Stay tuned for news on Urban Country 2011. See you next year!
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