Lions Club Spring Fair Gannons Park Peakhurst

On Sunday 22 September 2013, the Lions Club of Lugarno held their annual Spring Fair at Gannons Park, Peakhurst.

This event has grown from a small fair with a few stalls to now be the second biggest event of its kind in Sydney, the first being the Easter Show. It includes a Classic Car Show.

The weather was amazingly perfect - brilliant sunshine, which was going to guarantee a huge crowd.

It's always impossible to estimate the size of crowds at events like this - there is no single entry point, no fences, and people are coming and going all day. That said, it was easily tens of thousands who attended.

There were more stalls than last year, but seemed to be less cars in the Car Show. The food is getting better also. Last year, there was a constant queue for coffee at the lone coffee seller, but this year no fewer than five stalls sold coffee - and no queues.

The rides are always the most popular attractions and the queues for these were quite long. They catered for all ages, but mainly for toddlers and teenagers.

The local newspaper, The St George Leader, apparently let the Lions Club down somewhat with promised pre-event advertising and support. Last year, they handed out free copies of The Sun Herald but not this year.

This is one thing the event lacks - free things. You can sample some of the foods at the stalls selling pre-packaged goods, like home made jams and juices, but it would be great to have samples from some of the larger retailers or brands. Companies like Woolworths and Coles, who have a large presence in the St George area, were not at the Fair.

There was some good live entertainment. Donnie Sutherland backs up every year with his show that features kids singing and dancing. There was other live singing and dancing as well in different locations of the Fair. Plus there was a dog show, and a great sport called horse ball. Last year, some people protested against the rodeo, and so it was replaced this year, and rightly so. Also, some medieval jousting and fights kept people entertained.

One difference this year was an area serving alcohol. This was organised by Peakhurst Inn and by all reports they were thrilled with the result and will be back next year. The area was carefully managed and monitored with security and police.

The Spring Fair is a great event. It's huge and it's well organised. The Lions Club, who receive a lot of support from the associated local clubs such as the Lioness Club, should be congratulated on the event. The money raised will go to some worthy charities.