FRINGE fever hit the heart of the city this weekend as thousands flocked to diverse events celebrating arts, music and culture.
With Commercial Street East closed to traffic, a vibrant street party on Friday night boasted pop-up bars presented by local eateries, music and free family entertainment.
Festivities continued on Saturday with free performances and interactive arts displays in the Cave Gardens and ticketed events at venues across the central business district.
Event coordinator Monica Hart of Country Arts SA said community support for Fringe in Mount Gambier in its second year had been overwhelming.
“The numbers were up on last year compared to attendance at the opening and closing events,” Ms Hart said.
“Last year we had around 9000 total at the opening and closing weekend events – this year we had between 12,000 and 13,000 over the two days.”
Ms Hart said this year’s condensed program had presented an opportunity for more community engagement.
“This format was certainly more successful for local businesses and local artists,” she said.
“Jen’s Hotel, Presto, Metro Bakery and Copenhagen were tasked with activating the street on Friday night and they all felt it was a success – it was a really happy atmosphere.”
Ms Hart said a late downpour failed to dampen the spirits of revellers.
“The weather was perfect until it bucketed down at about 9pm and everyone had to duck for cover under verandahs,” she said.
“Everyone ended up disappearing into the venues, so that was great for the businesses involved anyway.”
Locals Mark de Nys, Louise Adams and Lewis Major coordinated visual arts, music/comedy and dance elements respectively.
“Their brief was to organise a family-friendly event in the Cave Gardens on Saturday and what they achieved was fantastic – the Saturday showcase was very popular,” Ms Hart said.
“The contemporary dance performances were very well received – it was something a lot of people had never experienced before.
“Mark was really happy with his interactive art activity, which was super successful – it was meant to wrap up at 4pm but continued until around 7pm.”
Louise Adams performed to a sold out crowd at the Wehl Street Theatre on Sunday afternoon to round out the weekend.
“I hope people left these events with an appreciation for the arts and what it can do for a city,” Ms Hart said.
“We are still on a high and we really welcome feedback from the community to improve our program for next year.
“Without sponsorship from local businesses, we could not have produced such an excellent event so we are very thankful to them.
“Based on the great response we have had so far, we expect Fringe in Mount Gambier will continue in 2019.”
Contact Fringe in Mount Gambier via Facebook or at fringe@mountgambier.sa.gov.au to provide feedback.
