Thousands of families are expected to descend on Kootingal this weekend as the Kootingal Country Fair returns for its Father’s Day celebration on Sunday, 6 September, from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
The fair has become a fixture on the New England calendar over the past 12 years, evolving from its early days into the community event it is today. Secretary for the Kootingal Recreation Reserve Committee Greg Crowe said the event began as the Pumpkin Festival before changing direction, eventually taking on a scarecrow theme before settling into its current format as a country fair.
Mr Crowe said this year’s event, as always, falls on Father’s Day and has been designed with the whole family in mind.
“We have a variety of stores for the dad. The mum and the kids have got a huge range of entertainment,” Mr Crowe said.
Dads can look forward to a motor show, while mums will find a range of stalls selling pampering products and knick-knacks. Children will be kept busy with two jumping castles and pony rides, alongside face painting and other activities throughout the day.
A stage will host live entertainment from morning to afternoon, and the fair typically pulls a big crowd.
“So we normally get somewhere around 6,000 people there on the Sunday,” Mr Crowe said.
Food and drink options will be plentiful, with a new addition for 2026.
“We’ve introduced wineries this year. So we haven’t done that before,” Mr Crowe said, adding that tastings will be available on the day.
Beyond the fun, the fair remains a major fundraiser for the local community. This year, proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the Kootingal tennis courts, continuing a tradition of ploughing money straight back into local projects.
Mr Crowe pointed to past successes as proof of what the fair has achieved, including a community stage and improved lighting at the local football field, delivered with help from local councillors.
“We’ve got the state-of-the-art lighting on that football field now” Mr Crowe said.
He was clear that none of the money raised is kept by organisers.
“We’ve got a lot of things added, and not one cent goes back to us, it all goes to the community,” Mr Crowe said.
Gold coin donations collected at the gate go straight back into Kootingal, as do the fees charged to stallholders and food vendors for their sites.
Organisers are expecting fine conditions for the big day.
“I’ve already had a look on the map. It looks like we’re going to have a sunny day as usual,” Mr Crowe said.
There is no dedicated parking area, but visitors are advised there is plenty of space along Denman Avenue, which runs a fair way up from the Recreational Reserve.
With a vintage car display, market stalls, food and wine, kids’ entertainment and live music all on offer, the Kootingal Country Fair promises something for every member of the family, all while supporting a worthwhile local cause.
“We’ve come a long way in 12 years,” Mr Crowe said.
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