Festival to blend old and new

Excitement is building in Tom Price as the biggest event on the town’s calendar, Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival, is happening this weekend.

Taking its name from Tom Price’s Mt Nameless/Jarndunmunha, the festival has been running for 45 years and attracts thousands of locals and visitors.

This year, festival goers can enjoy an array of events and activities including a street parade, art exhibition, motoring show, talent competition, markets, dog show, rides and amusements and much more.

In keeping with the year’s theme, Rewind, organisers brought the Mt Namessless King of the Mountain race and the Nameless Ball back from the archives.

There are also some new events on this year’s festival program including the Grease, Gears and Grills motoring show and the Home Industry competition and exhibition.

Kicking off this Friday from 4pm, Clem Thompson Oval will be a hub of activity with market stalls, entertainment and rides and amusements.

One of the festival’s most popular events is the street parade, starting at 9am this Saturday from the RSL Park on Acacia Street.

The street parade will feature hundreds of people lining the streets to view colourful floats created by schools and community groups.

Car enthusiasts will be able to view a range of vehicles from all corners of the Pilbara at the inaugural Grease, Gears and Grills event on the festival grounds.

People will also be able to grab a drink from the bar and vote for their favourite vehicle throughout the day in the best motorbike, best car, under construction and best rewind vehicle categories.

Event organiser Kelly Geddes said the car show was one not to miss.

“The whole idea of the festival is that it’s family-focused but there hasn’t been a lot for the blokes to enjoy,” she said.

“I think it’s going to be a huge highlight.”

Another new event is Home Industry, which will showcase the innovation, ingenuity and creativity of Pilbara locals.

Locals of all ages have entered their creations to be judged in the wearable art, cake decorating, preserves, sewing and handcraft, fine art, floral arrangement, photography, gardening, baking and design technology competition categories.

The creations will be displayed to the public at the festival grounds throughout the weekend.

Another celebration of Pilbara talent is the TP Factor talent show.

Running throughout the day on Saturday on the village green, individuals or groups can show off their singing, dancing, musical skills or a secret hidden talent.

Dig out your vintage dresses, poodle skirts, bell bottom jeans or any vintage fashion to go in the running to be named Retro Queen of the Green.

The Retro Queen of the Green will be announced at 4pm on the village green and will win five nights accommodation at Broome Cable Beach Club Resort.

Pet owners can parade their furry friends at the Festival Dog Show at 3pm on the oval on Saturday.

There will be prizes for magnificent mutt, perfect pure-bred, awesome old timer, best sausage catcher, obedience and fancy dress.

At 7.30pm on Saturday, the sky will light up with fireworks.

Following the fireworks display, bands Pilbara Blend and The New Entrants will see the festival out for 2017 with some rocking tunes.

Shire of Ashburton president Kerry White said the shire was proud to support the community event with Rio Tinto.

“The organising committee have done a tremendous job in reinvigorating an iconic event, that brings our community together and showcases the many talented people and positive opportunities we have in Tom Price,” she said.

“The Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival is always a highly anticipated event and the line-up for this year is impressive, with the introduction of many activities that are reminiscent of the festival’s early years.”

For more information, visit namelessfestival.com.au.