Family festival at Alstonville

For the past four years he has helped organise Ballina Shire's only family-friendly New Year's Eve event, held at the Alstonville Showground

Northern Star

ALSTONVILLE Apex Club president Richard Lutze knows where he will be celebrating New Year's Eve tonight.

For the past four years he has helped organise Ballina Shire's only family-friendly New Year's Eve event, held at the Alstonville Showground.

The alcohol-free festival kicks off at 5pm and finishes at 10.30pm.

Entertainment will include rides for toddlers and teenagers, food stalls, treasure hunts and music.

“We get people coming from everywhere. We will have about 3000 people on the night. It's a great atmosphere,” Mr Lutze said.

“We're having a talent quest with judges, and there will be cash prizes and mobile phones for the winners.

“There's also going to be a pudding-eating competition, with prizes for those people who eat half a pudding the fastest.”

Mr Lutze said the highlight of the night would be the fireworks display, which starts at 9.15pm.

No alcohol is permitted at the New Year's Eve festival and security guards will be checking bags on arrival.

“We just want the event to be something where families can feel safe and enjoy themselves without worrying,” Mr Lutze said.

The Alstonville Apex Club received $14,000 from the Ballina Shire Council to run the event.