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Tom Price celebrates vintage style

Alicia PereraPilbara News

Tom Price went back in time at the weekend and celebrated all things retro in an explosion of fun and colour for the town-wide Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival.

The carnival, now in its 46th year, was rejuvenated by a return to its traditional venue of Clem Thompson Memorial Oval for the first time in years and drew thousands of people to enjoy rides, market stalls and live entertainment on Friday night and throughout Saturday.

This year’s theme of Rewind celebrated all things vintage, and retro underpinned event elements from the street parade to an old-school pageant and packed musical line-up. After an official opening on Friday afternoon, bands Pilbara Blend, Bang Bang Betty and the H-Bombs and the New Entrants kicked off the entertainment as people flocked to enjoy rides in sideshow alley and more than 80 market and food stalls.

The Saturday morning street parade was a hit, as always.

A procession of vintage cars, North Tom Price primary school students dressed as hippies in a bright pink flower-power van and Shire of Ashburton staff decked out in their best 80s neon were among the highlights.

Shire of Ashburton staff go back to the eighties in the retro-themed street parade.
Camera IconShire of Ashburton staff go back to the eighties in the retro-themed street parade. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera
The North Tom Price Primary choir perform on stage.
Camera IconThe North Tom Price Primary choir perform on stage. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera

A packed crowd then converged on the oval to hear the best parade entries announced, choir performances from local primary schools and two retro-themed dance numbers from From Dust Creative Arts.

There were new additions to festival offerings this year, including a vintage car show which proved a hit with the dads and a home industries tent featuring delicious baking displays.

Meanwhile the town’s talent was put on full display in The TP Factor and a dog show drew plenty of entries and some big laughs.

Local ladies also strutted their stuff at the first-time Retro Queen of the Green pageant, where Susanna Tope was crowned the winner for her bold black and white vintage bathing suit ensemble.

Retro Queen of the Green winner Susanna Tope.
Camera IconRetro Queen of the Green winner Susanna Tope. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera
Chelsey Nolan, 4, with Nikita Mulder and her dog Maisy at the festival dog show.
Camera IconChelsey Nolan, 4, with Nikita Mulder and her dog Maisy at the festival dog show. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera
Griffin, 6, and Albie Bach, 8, were the runners-up in the TP Factor for their whipping skills.
Camera IconGriffin, 6, and Albie Bach, 8, were the runners-up in the TP Factor for their whipping skills. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera

On Saturday night, the fun went out on a high note with a series of high-powered Motown performances.

The always-popular Merindas involved crowd members up on stage before headline act Milford Street Shakers and their go-go dancers got the audience on their feet, including a performance featuring brass students from Tom Price and North Tom Price primary school.

Headline act the Milford Street Shakers put on a powerhouse motown performance.
Camera IconHeadline act the Milford Street Shakers put on a powerhouse motown performance. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera
Fireworks light up the sky at the end of the Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival.
Camera IconFireworks light up the sky at the end of the Nameless Jarndunmunha Festival. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera

A fireworks display and performance by the New Entrants finished out the night.

Organising committee member Kelly Geddes said the festival had been a big success.

“I think it’s been a huge hit,” she said. “We’ve had so many members of the community down here and there’s just been something for everyone.”

She said the long-awaited return to the oval and the festival’s Rewind theme, which was sparked by the town’s 50th anniversary last year, were particular highlights.

Milford Street dancers Domino and Coco Poppin dance with Matilda, 9, and Lorelei Brown, 8.
Camera IconMilford Street dancers Domino and Coco Poppin dance with Matilda, 9, and Lorelei Brown, 8. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera
Festival goers enjoy rides in sideshow alley.
Camera IconFestival goers enjoy rides in sideshow alley. Credit: Pilbara News, Alicia Perera

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