Gladstone Harbour Festival: What's on and when

IF you're keen to plan your week around the Gladstone Harbour Festival, here's a rundown of what is on each day.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1:

The festival kicks off with its opening night, which features entertainment and the popular talent quest.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 6-10pm.

Don Costa will perform on the food court stage from 6-10pm.

The talent quest will feature on the marina main stage from 6.15pm, with La Mont, the juniors and then the seniors.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2:

The Gladstone Ports Corporation's Family Fun Night heads festivities today, featuring the crowning of festival queens, LalaLoopsy, Curtis the Turtle, The Octonauts and Mr Bump.

It will all be happening on the marina main stage from 6.30pm, with fireworks at about 8.10pm.

Don Costa will perform on the food court stage from 6-10pm, and the rides and sideshow alley will be open from 6-10pm.

The 2014 Workforce International Gladstone Harbour Festival Parade.Mike Richards

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3:

Good Friday is one of the biggest days of the festival, and there's plenty happening.

The Harbour Festival Fun Run starts at 7am, with registration from 6.15am.

There will be a 3km and 10km route from East Shores to the marina, taking in Spinnaker Park on the longer route.

The Marina Markets are on from 8am-7pm at the main festival site.

The Blessing and Dressing of the Fleet starts at 10am, with boats travelling along a course in Auckland Creek.

The event features an assembly and ceremonial sail past of fishing, sailing, pleasure and speed boats, which was a mainstay of the festival until falling from favour in the mid-1990s.

The best viewing spots for the event are East Shores and Spinnaker Park.

Kids and big kids alike got a thrill out of rides at the Gladstone Harbour Festival.

The Kids' Zone Marquee will be open from 10am-3pm next to the food court.

Kids can drop in to participate in lantern making.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm.

The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race starts in Redcliffe Point, with the first yachts expected to be sighted entering Gladstone Harbour around 7.30am on Saturday.

The Gladstone Harbour Festival Street Parade gets underway at 6pm, with this year's theme being Lanterns and Lights.

The parade will start on Bramston St next to the Gladstone Region Art Gallery and Museum, travelling along Goondoon St before turning left into Lord St and then right to parade across the Marina Bridge.

The parade will then travel along Bryan Jordan Dr, finishing at the Mission to Seafarers building.

There's plenty of entertainment throughout the day on the food court stage. 

Entertainment includes:

• 10am: The Bucketseats
• 11am: Magic Glen
• 11.30am: The Bucketseats
• 1pm: Disco Fever Show
• 1.30pm: The Bucketseats
• 3pm: Magic Glen
• 4pm: Silly Circus Show
• 4.30pm: Don Costa
• 7pm: Talent quest winner
• 7.30pm: Jackson Dunn

Fantastic Friday Night kicks off on the marina main stage at 6.30pm, with the Disco Fever Show, Don Costa and The Australian Kylie Show, featuring Kylie Minogue's greatest hits from the past three decades.

There will be fireworks at 9pm.

The Gladstone Harbour Festival's Great Raft Race – not to be missed.Brenda Strong

SATURDAY, APRIL 4:

The first yachts in the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race are expected to start entering Gladstone Harbour from 7.30am, with the bulk of the fleet finishing late Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday.

The much-anticipated Great Raft Race is a highlight of the harbour festival, and will kick off at the Goondoon St boat ramp at 9.30am.

The Marina Markets are on from 8am to 1pm.

There are plenty of free craft activities on offer in the kids' activity zone from 10am to 3pm.

Make your own Mexican basket is on at 10am, followed by Rain sticks from South America at 11am, Make your own Mexican basket at noon, and Japanese flying carp at 1pm.

Phone 4972 5111 to book or drop into the harbour festival office on site to register.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm, with two for one rides from 10am to 2pm.

A jetpack display will be held at noon and 5.30pm, with the best viewing from Spinnaker Park and behind the markets.

There'll be cuteness galore at the Teddy Bear's Picnic on the food court stage from 2pm.

There are prizes for the largest bear, smallest bear, most festive bear, most loved bear and oldest bear.

Entertainment on the food court stage includes:

10am: Don Costa
Noon: Magic Glen
1pm: Disco Fever Show
1.30pm: Magic Glen
4pm: Don Costa
7pm: Swim
7.30pm: Jackson Dunn

Sensational Saturday Night kicks off at 6.30pm on the main stage, with the Silly Circus Show, Don Costa and The Australian INXS Show, which reproduces the live spectacle INXS was famous for.

There will be fireworks at 9pm.

Deb Bowen-Saunders during the Bush Poets' Breakfast at the Gladstone Harbour Festival.Luka Kauzlaric

SUNDAY, APRIL 5:

Sunday starts with the Bush Poet's Morning Tea at the food court stage at the marina.

The morning tea, from 9-11am, is $10 per person.

Kids in the Kitchen will feature in the Kids' Activity Zone today.

Participants can learn to make tiramisu at 10am, colourful pasta at 11am, sushi at noon, tiramisu at 1pm and colourful pasta at 2pm.

Phone 4972 5111 to book or drop into the harbour festival office on site to register.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm, with two for one rides from 10am-2pm.

There will be a jetpack display at 10am and 1pm, with the best viewing from Spinnaker Park and behind the markets.

Entertainment on the food court stage includes:

11am: The Magic Glen Show
Noon: Don Costa
2.30pm: Silly Circus Show
3pm: The Magic Glen Show
4pm: The Bucketseats
7pm: Don Costa

On the marina main stage the entertainment starts at 6.30pm, with the Disco Fever Show, Swim, and Dan Hamill and band, followed by fireworks at 9.50pm.

Hamill fuses contemporary chart toppers with the sounds of Motown and swing.

From Michael Jackson to Coldplay, Adele to Pharrell, you won't be able to leave the dance floor once he takes the stage.

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Fishers Spoiled for Choice in Gladstone Region

FOR those who know this region and the different spots to wet a line there is such a vast number of places to go and also species to catch.

From the harbour with the barra and the enormous king salmon out to the reef with those magic reds, trout, sweetlip, and mackerel, through to the inland systems like Awoonga, Callide, Monduran, and Cania Dams, for barra, mangrove jack, saratoga, bass, and in some spots we are seeing some pretty big longtoms being caught in Awoonga and in the Dawson River.

The local fishing pages on Facebook have seen some pretty good catches of black jew, mangrove jack and a snodger of a grunter measuring 69cm, which Thimoteus Newland caught and released this week, on a humble prawn bottom fishing.

I see Steven Strathdee spent some time out at Cania, and decided to walk the banks flicking stick baits around the snags and had a ball with the perch and bass.

The same thing applies with walking the banks of the Boyne - in "stealth mode" I call it - and targeting those snags which will hold barra, and jack.

In fact, you really don't need too much water for neither species, as the more shallow you get (Kermit the frog "knee deep") the more the little surface poppers, and walk the dog lures, come into play.

These predators will tend to sit, and wait in the lee of a rock, or gravel bank, as the water or tide comes in over the top, bringing with it some dinner, and it's these places you need to target.

To add another dimension, try fishing very light, say down to a 4-6 lb line, with an 8-10 lb leader, and only then the challenge commences.

This weekend is new moon Friday, with huge tides, nice balmy northerlies, and reasonably flat seas.

Tomorrow morning it looks as though the breeze could be down to 10 knots or a little less, from about sun up till around 2-3pm at the time of writing this.

It will swing around to the east after lunch, providing a very nice ride home if you venture out wide.

Sunday looks as though it'll be 10-15 easterlies all day, but that won't bother some.

The low tide around 4ish Saturday arvo is a big one though, and the likes of the Boyne Entrance will be practically unusable from 1 or 2 pm, and those using this access need to plan ahead.

For those chasing a feed of crabs, then this weekend should be awesome with some big chocolate bucks around at the moment, and coupled with the big tides you should be able to access some of those creeks, and drains which can't normally get to.

For those new to the region and keen to get into some crabbing, learning how this whole line of fishing works can be quite tricky and a good start to learn about the "art" of crabbing is to pick up a DVD of Johnny Mitchell's called the Mud Crab, at most tackle shops or via his website.

This year's Boyne Tannum HookUp being the 20th year, has now been open for entries for a little while and there is a steady flow of those booking their spot in this incredible event.

Having it back on the original weekend, being Queen's Birthday long weekend in June (6,7,8 ) is very cool.

And the committee, many of whom have been volunteering there time for many years now to bring you this extravaganza, are planning to blow you away beginning with that major prize boat from Curtis Coast Marine, Haines Signature, Suzuki, and Garmin.

You can't win this, nor any of the other nine boats if you aren't entered.

Entry is easy by simply going on line to www.boynetannumhookup.com.au and following the instructions.

Remember once it's full, it's full, but numbers are only restricted with senior entrants to 3000, whereas with the kids they are open to as many as they can get.

Finally share a thought for those at VMR Gladstone who diligently man the radios and the rescue boats, to help us out when things don't go the way we plan.

They are in constant need for volunteers on the radios. If you aren't a member then my best advice is to be one.

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Family Easter Getaway accommodation deal at Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone

Treat the family with this great value Family Easter Getaway from Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone. Starting at just $155 per night, package includes:

• Accommodation in a self contained One Bedroom Apartment
• Complimentary WiFi
• Complimentary car parking
• $15 voucher for Rocksalt Restaurant - recently voted 'Best Restaurant in Town'
• Kids stay Free!*

*One voucher per room per night. Kids aged 11 years and under free in existing bedding. Limited service.

Book now: www.metro-hotel-apartments-gladstone.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/family-easter-getaway-hot-deal-accommodation

Gladstone Harbour Festival is bringing the community a jam-packed program that is sure to entertain. Opening on Wednesday 1st April with the new look Talent Quest and finishing with the Festival Finale on Easter Sunday 5th April, the Harbour Festival highlights also include five nights of free entertainment, rides, fireworks and all of your favourite events - just in time for Easter!

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone are located in the heart of Gladstone - the ideal base to enjoy the festival.

Our hotel is also a great base from which to access many local sights and attractions including the Port Curtis Yacht Club, the aquatic centre, the art gallery and museum, botanical gardens, marina, and a variety of tours to the Gecko Valley Winery, Spinnaker Park and East Shores Water Park, Awoonga Dam, Tannum Sands Beach or take in a show at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre, located just next door!

Visit our website for other packages: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-apartments-gladstone/hot-deals/

Fun run will have all the colours of the rainbow

GLADSTONE'S most colourful fun run will be held in April when the PCYC hosts the Rainbow Run.

The Rainbow Run will help promote health and fitness while raising funds for youth development programs by the Gladstone PCYC.

The event will consist of a 5km course, with participants able to complete the event at whatever pace they wish.

>> Major trail run being organised on Curtis Island

They'll also be coated with powered paint along the way.

A Zumba warm-up will kick off the event, with a tai chi warm-down and party wrapping it up.

There will be five colour stations, plus water stations along the way.

The run will be held on April 12, starting at the Mt Larcom showgrounds. Gates will open at 8am.

Anyone can take part in the  run. Participants aged five and under can run for free and don't need to pre-register.

Tickets much be purchased before March 26. Earlybird registrations close on March 12.

All registrations include a colour pack, Rainbow Run t-shirt, silicon wristband and entry to the race.

Gladstone PCYC is taking entries, or you can register online here.

Registration costs $38 adults, $23 child aged 6-12 and concession, and $33 per individual per team of five.

ABOUT THE COLOUR:

The colour is environmentally friendly and 100% safe but may stain some clothing.

Preparation tips:

• Oil your hair - This will help the colour to wash out. Use leave-in conditioner, coconut oil, Moroccan oil or similar.
• Cover up - Get creative and cover your hair with a wig, hat, shower cap or bandana.
• Cover your car seats - Pack an old towel or garbage bags to sit on for the trip home
• Slip, Slop, Slap - coat yourself in suncream and a lip balm with SPF in it. Not only will it protect you from the sun, it will help the colour slide off when you're done
• Shield your eyes - Wear sunnies, goggles or similar to avoid any irritation
• Leave your favorites are home - while the colour will eventually wash out of everything, leave expensive strollers or running shoes at home just in case

After the race:

• Dust off as much of the dry powder as you can before adding any water
• When you get home shower as normal and add baking soda to your body to wash any stubborn spots
• Washing your hair - Anti-dandruff shampoo is best for helping remove any colour patches, and if it needs something a little extra add baking soda to your shampoo to form a paste
• Clothing - Dust off all excess colour and wash items separately in cold water. Napisan or similar products will help work wonders

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/fun-run-will-have-all-colours-rainbow/2567560/

We're Getting Hooked on Big Catches | Gladstone, QLD

WOW! Doesn't a nice weekend on the water make a difference to one's well-being?

The fish were biting, the wind had dropped out and the sea flattened out somewhat, allowing most to get out on the water.

Last week saw a few getting into the black jew. Like Ray Noe, who landed this beauty up near Rundle.

Well done, along with Terrin Sharpe and Jon Pike, who just love showing off their big jewies as well.

The whole region fished very well, with plenty of barra caught in Raglan Creek, the Calliope and right across the whole system.

How about Greg Elliot's barra on the front page of The Observer this week?

What an awesome fish. And there were others - like Andrew Barnes, who caught and released a 1.3m barra, Brent Barnes-Mayman landed a 1.3m cobia, and Mark Bycroft landed a nice 45cm Jack using a vibe lure.

There were so many good catches on the weekend.

Yours truly had the pleasure of being invited out with Johnny Mitchell and although a 3am rise is just not right, I got out on the water at 4am (yawn), fishing the 8-15 mile range outside the entrance to the channel, targeting nannygai, reds, trout and whatever else chewed on the line.

Learning more about the sounder, bait collection and even my method of striking a fish was all part of the learning curve with this chap, and like a good golfing stroke, all these little coaching tips certainly help increase your chances of nailing that fish.

We came home with 17 keepers and ended up with about 8kg of fillets.

Mark Patton was able to slip out on Monday morning before the wind popped up and among his binful was a 5kg grassie sweetlip. Solid fish Mark, well done.

This weekend, Greg Realf and I, along with Glenn Churchill from the GAPDL, are manning the Gladstone and Banana Region's stand at the Brisbane Tinny and Tackle Show in Manly.

The goal is to answer any questions people have about the region and in the past the four of us (Matty Branthwaite helps as well) have been kept pretty busy.

There are a lot of perceptions about our region down south, but as those who slip out on the water can contest, we have it very good, with a variety of places to go and myriad species to target.

The HookUp major prize is a fully kitted out Haines Signature 602F.

The 20th Boyne Tannum HookUp is rapidly approaching, and Darren Brown, from Curtis Coast Marine, posted a photo of the major prize on his Facebook page - a Haines Signature 602F Hardtop fitted out with Garmin electronics and a mighty 150hp Suzuki four-stroke.

Visit www.boynetannumhookup.com.au to enter.

This weekend looks as though it'll be a tad ordinary out front, with 15 knots expected tomorrow afternoon, plus maybe a shower.

Big tides, though, and for the best results the last couple of hours leading up to and down to the high and low tides seem to produce the best results.