Karratha community enjoys a bigger and better FeNaClNG Festival

The Karratha community enjoyed a bigger and better FeNaClNG Festival at the weekend, with Bulgarra Oval filling up with rides, games and stalls. Named after iron (Fe), salt (NaCl) and natural gas (NG), the 48th FeNaClNG Festival saw crowds enjoying the atmosphere of the biggest community event on Karratha’s calendar. Organised this year by Onyx Events and Wrapped Creations, the festivities kicked off with a showcase by the Dance Kix hip-hop jazz group, followed by a freestyle motocross show by Brayden Davies and Daniel Ford. Onyx Events manager Sean Throssell said it was good to see everyone participating in the event. “There’s a lot of local stallholders in there who want to be a part of it, which is a big part of our community, and that’s what brings us together, and we’re happy to be a part of it,” he said. “I’ve been here nearly 40 years and all my kids grew up with FeNaClNG so they love it — it’s really good.” City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said he had never seen so many cars lined up to get into the festival. “The City of Karratha has put in more money than we ever have before because we wanted to make sure it was a success, and it’s normally run by (Dampier) Lions and we’re disappointed that a community group couldn’t do it and we hope to do that next year,” he said. “It’s supposed to be a community event and so we’d like to see a community event-runner in the future. “We’ll just have to see how that goes.” Cr Long said the City wanted to make sure the festival went ahead this year after the community missed out in 2020 because of COVID-19. “So far, this show has been remarkable and I think it’s going to be a great day for Mum and Dad and the kids and everybody,” he said. The two-day festival was filled with rides, show bags, exhibits, and stalls selling everything from slushies to diamonds to camper trailers. Daytime entertainment throughout the festival was provided by groups including the Karratha Primary School and St Paul’s Primary School choirs, Ricochet Circus, and Pitter Patter Productions. Red Rock Engineering also hosted a dunk tank to raise money for this year’s Karratha to Broome WA Police Legacy Bike Ride, with community leaders from across town putting their hands up to get dunked. The festivities wrapped up with a fireworks display and a show by Darren Reid and the Soul City Groove.