History of the Fair - Ormeau Fair and Ormeau Lions

History of the Fair

From Humble beginnings, the Ormeau Fair is Now a Major Attraction

Norm Jessen

We are in our 6th year of Ormeau Lions Fair and which many refer to as the 'Mini Ekka.'

It all started back in 2004, when my wife and I moved to Ormeau to live. We received in the letter-box an invitation to come and join Ormeau Lions Club and meet new people, so that was the beginning.

I was asked to take over as president in 2005 and now I am in my 7th year as President. We have our meetings at Ormeau Tavern every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, and looking out the window during one of the meetings, I had a dream to fill up Brien Harris Oval with a 'Fair', we now know as Ormeau Lions Fair.

We all start somewhere with a dream and back then I contacted the 'Showman's Guild' of Yatala and told them what I wanted to do and that is how it started.

The rides all come from 'Showman's Guild' and they put me on to 'Pura Milk' and from there we had fireworks and a stage from JD Sound. This was the basis to work from and the first year wasn’t much when you look back.

We couldn’t charge for attendance as we didn’t have a fence up around the oval and on the second year we had a fence up, but we still didn't charge to come in. The Ormeau area has grown so much, we need something like the Fair at this end of the coast.

The first year we made it happen, and the second year it was a great success and now for the third year, I hope the Council will always say ‘Yes’ to us as it is something the area needs more and more.

This year we are looking at over 130 stall holders. Classic Cars Saturday and Sunday, Dance Companies, V.I.P. Dog Shows, Farm animals and Pony rides and Camel rides plus the 16 Ekka Rides.

This year we also look forward to our continuing relationship with Motorama Holden, Springwood Marine, Winnebago Vans, Tanks for Us and Leisure Pools and Spas, hoping they will be back on board this year.

Helensvale Lions Club are a great help for us as well. This year should be good for all new sporting clubs in the area, as well as the new schools. All schools in the area can perform dancing or singing on stage in the Ormeau Fair Primary Schools Talent Show for a prize of $1000 first prize, $500 for second and $250 for third prize. All cheques are written out to the schools for their pupils who win, so the more sponsorship we get the more we can give out to the schools to help them grow as well.

All monies raised during the Ormeau Fair goes straight back into the community to help support schools, hospitals, underprivileged people and many other charity organisations.

Looking forward to a great Ormeau Fair and seeing you there as well. It is all about turning up and having a great time for all the family. Come up and say hello to me, I will be the one in the straw hat.