New Year in Gosford

 

The Coathanger

With Sydney boasting its ‘biggest ever’ explosion of fireworks on NYE one wonders just when the Sydney City Council can no longer profess it will be bigger and better than ever before! The secrecy surrounding the event borders on lunacy! Its fireworks for goodness sake.

Fireworks that explode from the Harbour Bridge and a few strategically placed barges on the harbour. maybe some surrounding skyscrapers will ‘go off’, as will Darling Harbour. The Opera House will be ‘dressed up’ in pretty colours, and a million people will start to gather from about 10am. Where’s the secret in that? No, its not a cynical approach being made here.

Obviously Sydney does not believe in a global financial meltdown, and the Sussex Street cafe latte brigade who pose as politicians dont care too much about a spending spree of millions that last a few minutes!

Surely at some time, someone, must consider the folly of spending bucket loads of cash and holding their heads up high in light of a failing health system, schools being unable to carry out general repairs, transport systems breaking under the strain etc etc.

As for Gosford, well its slightly different. Actually, hugely different. Sort of poor cousins to the Sydney scene, and certainly wont get any global coverage. However, it will still put on a days fun. Starting early afternoon with the races, continuing in the early evening with the football, and ending with its modest firework display. A fairly big day out on anyones calender.

The Mariners take on Perth Glory with a 6pm ko. After they kick some West Australian backside some 20,000 odd people will gather on the waterfront to see our mini Darling Harbour show. Grand it will be.

The old folks and families go home, the younger ones find parties and clubs to see in midnight. Usually by 12:30 most everywhere is quiet, with pockets of revellers here and there justifying a greater police prescence than the previous night. Still, an intimate family day out when compared to the Boom Crash Opera of Sydney, and one where intimidation/aggression and violence through drunkardness, is minimal and joy is maximised. And, it doesn’t end there!

Bluetongue Stadium is putting on a film extravaganza by erecting a 45ft screen for three day film festival on the 16 to 18th January. You can bring a picnic and sit on the same hallowed turf where the ‘twinkle toes’ of Gumps struts his stuff. Gates will open at 7pm for a kick off at sundown, 8:30pm. Tickets are priced at $40 for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, $10 for a child or concession and $15 for an adult, slightly cheaper if pre-purchased. Tickets are on sale now through ticketek. Films showing are Bonds Quantum of Solace, High School Musical and Australia. Stadium Manager, Monique Marks promises to look at this being an annual event for Gosford. 

“Its going to be a very relaxing way to enjoy the movies with a Bluetongue Lager, Wine or Soft Drink and plenty of food available including BBQ, cheese platters along with pies, pizza’s, hotdogs and of course popcorn!” Marks said.

 

The Grunt has secured two 2×2 family tix to the event. We will give these away to two [lot of two's here eh!] lucky winners who post an answer to this question. “Which of the three films showing at Blutonge Stadium in January would you most like to see, and why?” Simply post your answer by clicking on the comment link below and filling out your response. Rules are you must be a current financial member of the Gosford District Chamber of Commerce to enter. Monique Marks and Kath Robinson will pick the lucky winners. Get Grunting and good luck. Giveaway closes at midnight on the 14th Jan 2009.

 

Any chance of grabbing a guinness Monique? Ed.

 

2009 smells good.