Ten Reasons Why You Should Check Out the Gladstone Show

THE Gladstone Show kicks off tomorrow, so we've put together a list of ten things on offer not to be missed.

Ten Reasons Why You Should Check Out the Gladstone Show 

1. First trucks: The monster trucks are here and ready to cause some mayhem. Gladstone will get to see a brand new monster truck never seen before in Australia. The performance will begin from 6pm Wednesday and consist of car crushing and other tricks. 

2. Motor cross: Zac Mckenzie and Jake May will perform their latest tricks including back flips at the free style motor cross event on their motorbikes. The performance will begin after the monster trucks (which start at 6pm) as part of the night performances in the show ring. 

3. Wedding cakes: Wedding cakes on display! Some cake entries have been reported to be up to 1m high in this competition. Anyone can enter, as long as they have a killer cake recipe. 

4. Syco Sam: Rolling completely on its roof with flashing lights underneath, the Syco Sam bus is one of the all day rides available at the show. It is a kid's favourite Australia-wide. 

5. Horticulture: The show will include a horticulture tent holding some of Gladstone's rarest and finest plants on display all day. In previous years organisers have had to re-arrange the tent to make room for all the entries. 

6. Bar: Adults can head to the bar throughout the day if they are feeling a bit thirsty after an action packed ride with the kids, or just want to relax and have a drink and watch the performances. 

7. Arts and crafts: The arts and crafts tent will be open all day; with award-winning art and needle work and photography on display. Anyone can enter their own exhibits for all of Gladstone to see. 

8. Food: Dagwood dogs and hot chips; what better way to celebrate Show day than by indulging in some of the great show foods on offer all over the showgrounds from the moment the gates open to the finish. 

9. Show bags: Everybody loves a show bag, and the Gladstone show promises to have hundreds of different show bags, from Spiderman to Dora the Explorer. 

10. Fireworks: If you love fireworks, the Gladstone Show is the place for you. To finish off the night there will be a firework show. Stay until 8.30 pm to watch.

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.

View Source for More Information

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.

View Source

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.

Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Book this Bonus Wi-Fi Hot Deal now for some great savings!  

Rate includes complimentary Wi-Fi and car parking.

In the heart of Gladstone, our serviced one bedroom apartments are perfect for short or long stays, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and laundry. 

Book this Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

http://www.metro-hotel-apartments-gladstone.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.815.html

Jetgo's first flight from Sydney has landed

The first Jetgo direct from Sydney to Gladstone passenger flight arrives in Gladstone.

1st Dec 2014

THE first Jetgo flight from Sydney landed at Gladstone Airport just after 7am today with about 10 passengers on board.

The inaugural flight marks the start of regular flights between Gladstone and Sydney, filling a gap left after Qantaslink cancelled their route between the cities.

The airport's firefighters were on hand to do a water cannon salute for the arrival of the first flight.

The take-off from Sydney was smooth, according to Jetgo ground services supervisor Phil Burke, who was on board the first flight.

He said now that people could see Jetgo was operating, he expected bookings would be on the increase.

Jetgo is confident the route will be well supported by Gladstone residents.

The company is providing a direct jet service that will be twice as fast and a lot quieter than turbo prop jets currently flying out of Gladstone.

Flight times have been scheduled so passengers can easily do day trips between the two cities.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/jetgos-first-flight-sydney-lands-today/2469974/

Tripadvisor guest review - Apartments G60 Gladstone - Aug 2014

Apartments G60 Gladstone

“Great Appartments in the City”

Reviewed 24 August 2014 by simon S

These are good new apartments in the centre of Gladstone with 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms. I have stayed here a couple of times and the staff are always friendly and the rooms are always clean. Great value for money especially if there are two people travelling.

Room Tip: I like the rooms overlooking the street

• Stayed August 2014, travelled on business
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255336-d5557280-r223973232-Apartments_G60_Gladstone-Gladstone_Queensland.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

New Gladstone Shopping Centre Open for Business

IN BUSINESS: Developer Geoff Bonney, long-time resident Betty Mergard, and Foodworks owners Peter Kinder and Michelle Irvine cut the ribbon.

BETTY Mergard officially opened the new Agnes Water Central shopping centre on Saturday.

Twelve hundred square metres has been developed to create a much-needed full line supermarket for the town.

And while grocery shopping enters a new era in Agnes Water, it's the interactive floor that has everyone celebrating.

Developer Geoff Bonney said the structure would be highly beneficial to the community.

"We had a basic design but we sat down with the architect and tailored it to what the locals need," he said.

"There was only a convenience store previously but this new development has really opened up opportunities.

"The bigger centre means it will increase employment rates too."

The facilities the centre features are state-of-the-art, with only four like it in Australia.

A revolutionary refrigeration and air conditioning unit behind the scenes and 5m interactive floor is what has locals so excited.

Iconic local Betty Mergard said she'd seen nothing like it in her 75 years.

"It's got the wow factor," she said. "The moving flooring and post office layout is just amazing."

The Mergard family's long term tourist industry input made her the perfect candidate to cut the official ribbon.

"I was really representing the community and their future enjoyment of the facility," she said.

Betty's daughter Desley O'Grady said it was fantastic for the area, "especially for holiday makers who will have more of a range for shopping".

"We've been coming here for over 70 years, and it's a big moment for us," she said.

Backpacker Tamara Volk said the food looked pretty good.

"It's not too expensive so it's great for us," she said. "The interactive floor will be good for the kids."

While Mark Mergard said it would "help the growth of the area".

Joel O'Grady said it was nice and neat and not cluttered.

"The interactive floor is fantastic."

Currently Foodworks and the post office are operational.

Session to help Gladstone city get ready for cruises

GET the party started when Carnival Australia comes to town with an information session on the future of cruise liners in Gladstone.

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd and Carnival Australia will present on the P&O Cruise Liners as part of a business leaders' luncheon.

P&O Cruises announced in August that Gladstone would be a port of call for up to 10,000 passengers a year from 2016, with ships to dock at Auckland Point.



The luncheon is presented by GAPDL in partnership with Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Ports Corporation.

GAPDL chief executive Glenn Churchill will give an insight on destination tourism development and regional development priority projects, while product manager Sarah Budd and director Michael Mihajlov will talk for Carnival Australia.

The luncheon will be followed by an information session with a question and answer session, giving people an opportunity to expand further on individual and business opportunities/ learnings, and any other creative discussion points to ensure we are "Region Ready".

The luncheon will be held at the Oaks Grand Gladstone on Tuesday, October 21, from 11.30am-2pm.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/liners-on-the-horizon/2413873/

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone - New Factsheet

Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone PDF Factsheet

To book, visit Metro Hotel & Apartments Gladstone

Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre (GECC) | Gladstone Attractions

The  Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre has recently been redeveloped with an expansion of the adjoining multi-level car park to include an additional three levels of car parking and two levels of commercial office space.

This multi-million dollar redevelopment will establish the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre as one of regional Queensland’s premier entertainment venues, attracting new entertainment, conferences and events never before seen in the region.

Expansion has seen the addition of a new multi-use convention and event floor space that will increase the venue’s capacity to 1,500 standing and allow it to host larger and higher-profile events and concerts.

The new Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre delivers on its designers attention to detail to provide the city with a venue that will perform well into the future.

Find out More about Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre

What's on in Gladstone this weekend

LOOKING for something to do in the Gladstone region this weekend? 
Here's a rundown of some of the events and activities on offer.

FRIDAY

Spring Morning Tea

A SPRING Morning Tea will be hosted by the St Andrew's Presbyterian Women's Association at 10am.

The morning will include a fashion parade by Limestone Clothing, prizes for the best spring outfit and best spring hat, and entertainment by the Gladstone Musical Society.

It's on at 2 Bloomfield St, Calliope. Phone 4975 6619 for more details.

Sydney Comedy Festival showcase

THE Sydney Comedy Festival has hit the road with an awesome line-up of international and local acts from the festival.

The festival's funniest have been squeezed into one hilarious night of world-class comed at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

The show, which starts at 7.30pm, is recommended for audiences 15 years and over.

Tickets cost $30 and are available here.

Country singer at RGs

COUNTRY singer Nicky Convine will play at RGs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Casino-born songwriter has won or been a finalist in numerous competitions, and in 2005 was one of the final 40 to audition for Australian Idol.

Her music has been played on Triple J's Unearthed and she recently finished recording her debut album, Parade.

The shows kick off at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday.

Movie session for parents and kids

MUMS, dads and bubs are invited to come along to the Gladstone cinemas to attend a child-friendly event at 9.30am.

Ticket are $8 or $20 for Gold room.

The lights will be left on and dimmed and the sound is lowered  Visit the website for more information.

SATURDAY

Gladstone Community Hub markets

GLADSTONE Community Hub will host markets and an open day at 5 Butler St, Gladstone.

There will be lucky door prizes, sample bags, sausage sizzle, face painting, Old Macdonald's Farm, live and free entertainment, and art exhibition.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm. Phone 4979 4821 for more details.

The Lego Movie screening

HILLCLOSE estate in Gladstone will host an outdoor screening of The Lego Movie.

Live music will begin at 4.45pm, with the movie screening at 6.15pm.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Bean bags are available for hire, and there are Lego prizes to be won.

The event will be held in Harmony Park, Sundowner Rd, Clinton. Phone 1300 650 614 for more details or click here.

Industries of Gladstone cricket match

THE annual 20/20 cricket competition where industry vs industry is on this weekend.

Game one will begin at 11am on Saturday, with the final game at 2.30pm on Sunday, when the Harbour City All Stars will take on the Queensland Bulls Masters.

Entry is free. There will be entertainment for the kids, and canteen and bar facilities will be available each day. 

The action takes place at the Boyne Island Tannum Sands Oval, Jacaranda Drive, Boyne Island.

BITS Classic Pool Competition

THE 2014 BITS Classic Pool Competition will be held at the BITS Club, Jacaranda Dr, Boyne Island from 9.30am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Prize money of $5000 is up for grabs, with up to 64 players able to register.

The top 32 players will go through to the big money round, and the bottom 32 will go through to the repo-charge.

A Calcutta will be held on Saturday from 9.30am, so get there early to buy up the big gun players.

Spectators are welcome to watch the competition over the two days. Entry is free.

Phone Tom Johnson on 0448 803 818 for more details.

Biloela Markets

HELD on the third Saturday of each month, Biloela Markets in the Park offer a wide variety of stalls for everyone to enjoy.

Those attending can enjoy fresh produce, try their green thumb with huge variety of plants, and find a special piece of jewellery, clothing, accessories and hand crafted goodies.

The markets are held in Barimis Park in Callide St, Biloela, and run from 9.30am to 2pm.

Phone 0400 162 219 for more details.

International Day of Peace

GLADSTONE Region Interfaith Network will host an International Day of Peace prayer event from 3-4pm at Anzac Park in Tank St.

The International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. 

All attendees are encouraged to take a plate of food and a chair to the event, which will finish with an informal group discussion.

Phone 4976 6352.

Cent sale at bowls club

THE St John Ambulance will host a cent sale on at the Gladstone Bowls Club from 11am with a 1pm start.

There are 400 prizes to be won and a homemade cake walk. For bookings phone Cheryl on 0418 792 244 or Sue on 4975 6473.

Miriam Vale Markets in the Park

THE Miriam Vale Lions Club hosts the Miriam Vale Markets on the third Saturday of each month at Blomfield St, Miriam Vale.

Stroll through the delightful cool and shady park to view a variety of stalls, or try a sizzling fillet steak, sausage or bacon burger.

The markets run from 7am to noon.

Friends of Bindaree Markets

THE Friends of Bindaree Garage Sale is a popular market event at Boyne Island run monthly by Bindaree Lodge Aged Care Facility.

You can find lots of bargains on second hand clothing, manchester, books, footwear, toys, furniture and much more.

The markets run from 7am to noon at 1 Beacon Ave, Boyne Island.

Spend a morning with acoustic tunes

JHAM Bar Gladstone will host Acoustic JHAMS, a morning of music by local artists each Saturday from 9am-noon.

Sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by while enjoying music by Animal Throwdown, White Room and Rob (Country) Hopkins at JHAM Bar, 117 Toolooa St, Gladstone.

Get fit with Parkrun

STOCKLAND Gladstone and Parkrun Australia faciliate a unique, community run program that provides free weekly timed 5km running events for people of all ages and abilities every Saturday morning from 7am - 8am at Lions Park.

Register online here before your first run.

SUNDAY

Rotary Kmart Markets

THE Rotary Club of Gladstone Midday Markets are held on the third Saturday of each month in the Kmart car park on Phillip St, Gladstone.

There is a wide range of goods on offer including food, coffee, cakes, jewellery, hand-made soaps, plants, toys, clothes and bric-a-brac.

There also is entertainment from local artists. The markets run from 6am to 1.30pm.

Chill out at Sunday session

LIGHTBOX Espresso and Wine Bar is the hottest place to be in Gladstone at the moment and Sunday is where you can try it out.

Take your friends along to the bar in Goondoon St, next to the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, for a cocktail this weekend.

The Sunday sessions are a chilled way of wrapping up a weekend while listening to some live acoustic music.

You can order some tapas and sit at one of the booths from 2pm onwards for a relaxed afternoon.

Sunday Coffee Cruise

TAKE a cruise around the Gladstone harbour and surrounding island every Sunday and Wednesday on a a Curtis Ferry Services Coffee Cruise.

Enjoy a two-hour cruise with morning tea and commentary on the Gladstone region, while keeping an eye out for turtles, dolphins and dugongs.

Cruises are held 11am-1pm. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre.

Passengers must collect their ticket from the Information Centre at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive) before departure, and ensure they arrive at Curtis Ferry Services Terminal by 10.45am.

If the Information Centre is closed, tickets and payments can be made from the departure point.

The Sunday Coffee Cruise will run until September 28.

Tickets cost $24 adults, $22 concession and $16 children aged 7-16. Phone 4972 9000 for more details.

Sunday session at Yachties

GLADSTONE Yacht Club will have a Sunday session in Yachties Beer Garden with live music by Tim Anderson from 2.30pm.

There will be great drink specials and a great atmosphere to wind-down your weekend.

The Sunday session runs until 6.30pm.

PUBS AND CLUBS

FRIDAY

• Yaralla Sports Club, bingo, 10am and 1pm
• Queens Hotel, dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Gladstone Bowls, bingo, 10am
• Wolves Soccer Club, bingo, 7.30pm
• Reef Hotel, 888 PL Poker registration, 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
• Diggers Arms Hotel, karaoke, 8pm
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Agnes Tavern, See You Next Tuesday, 8pm

SATURDAY

• Yaralla Sports Club, free poker, 7pm
• Queens Hotel, dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Club Hotel, 888 PL Poker, registration from 1pm for 2pm start
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Relics, 8.15pm
• Agnes Tavern, Uncle Arthur

SUNDAY

• Young Aus Hotel, raffles, 11.30am
• JD's Karaoke, 8pm
• Queens Hotel, 888 PL Poker, registration 1pm for 2pm start
• Yaralla, bingo, 1pm
• Railway Hotel, Sunday session, 2pm
• Gladstone Bowls, Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 3pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Ben Beasley, 1pm
• The Reef, Adrian Brown, 4pm
• Agnes Tavern, Steve Jay, 2pm

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/whats-gladstone-weekend-sept19-21/2389943/