Rose Bay Spring Fair uses extra space for local charities

The Rose Bay Spring Fair isn’t just about wheels of spinning chocolate, petting farms and ferris wheels . This year its hoping to raise $25 000.

The annual fair, which kicks off on October 23 usually raises about $20,000, but the organisers are hoping that the extra space with the closure of Newcastle street will contribute more to local children’s charity than the previous years.

Phillip Snider from the Rotary Club said: “With the expansion we’re probably hoping to raise closer to $25,000.”

“The main one is the Children’s Hospital at Randwick and we support things like Bondi Cottage. . . There are several other charities that are also being sponsored,” he said.

With part of Newcastle Street blocked off to traffic, fairgoers won’t be restricted to footpaths and food stalls will be able to serve hot food, which hasn’t been possible in previous years.

Kerry Hilton from the Rose Bay Chamber of Commerce saod: “This year we have permission to shut down part of Newcastle Street which is fantastic.”

“There’ll be amusement rides, clowns, food stalls a magic show,” she said.

“We usually get about five to ten thousand or more people on the day, so all the cafes get pretty full, and this year we’ve been able to have more food stalls,” she said.

There will also be a chocolate wheel, which will be spun throughout the day to give lucky-dip prizes including electrical appliances, jewellery and fine gifts being among the prizes.

On Panerong Reserve there will be a children’s jumping castle, petting farm, face painting, a magic show and a mini ferris wheel.

The Annual Spring Fair starts at 9am on Saturday October 23 and finishes at 4pm.

The event is organised by the Rose Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.

By Simon Anderson