Search Toggle

One Very Big Day

Canberra folk enjoying the sunshine at Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra folk enjoying the sunshine at Lake Burley Griffin

The “One Very Big Day” celebrations on Monday marked the 100th anniversary of Canberra in true Canberra style.

Huge balloons spelled the word “Welcome” at the entrance to the festivities. The wind blew them a bit amok, rendering them a great joy to children who jumped to grab them. “A great idea,” said Phoebe Hart, “just like

viagra online without prescription

Canberra.”

Wide-open spaces separated the five stages that were stationed around Lake Burley Griffin exhibiting Canberra-themed performances. The walks between attractions were a lovely representation of Canberra, making one feel as though they might be in the middle of nowhere one minute, and then back in the thick of things the next.

More than 150,000 people flocked to the city to enjoy some sunshine and a party. For families it was a great day of fun, with a few games set up here and there for children, and a way to share a picnic spot with thousands of others.

The theme of “Canberra in so many words” brought everyone together as people wandered about to different places where they were asked to make words out of cards or pillows, and wonder at the way Canberra could be thought about in words.

The Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire created a cheerful crowd when, while celebrating their 20th anniversary, they showed Canberra what a true party was with a sing along of Lady Gaga complete with actions for audience participation. Many agreed that they outshone the majority of other acts. “They brought people to their feet and made a place for everyone to celebrate together,” said Mark Edmonds, a fan of the choir.

Canberra Quire
Canberra Qwire

Perhaps the smoothest running of the Canberra-themed attractions was the shuttle buses  The free rides went from Civic all around the Parliamentary Circle and back, stopping near each of the stages and attractions. The buses made for quick, easy and convenient travel around the festivities and meant that people could park in Civic and bus in.

Overall, “One Very Big Day” was a very big way of celebrating what Canberra is all about and saying “Happy Birthday” to the nation’s capital. As Hayley Jenkins, a life-long Canberran put it, “It represented Canberra and what people think about it well.”

Happy Birthday Canberra!

Recent Comments

0

Be the first to comment!

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *