Bonfire to be a real ship burner

BURNING wooden ships might not be the usual thing to see in-land on the Golden Plains, but it’s happening in Cape Clear this month.

The town will host its Winter Solstice Bonfire at its recreation reserve on Saturday 20 June.

At the mercy of the flames will be a wooden model of a ship with notable history to bring flair to the event.

“It’s good to give the community something to look forward to and get together in the middle of winter for entertainment, activities and a lot of fun,” said Terry Kelly from the Cape Clear, Illabrook and Rokewood Junction Community Committee.

“We are trying to make this an event that’s unique and interesting.”

The bonfire tradition started in 2018, and it’s the third time a ship has been made for the burning.

“After all, this is Cape Clear and we have a lighthouse,” Kelly said.

“The original idea was to create an event on the shortest day of the year that breaks up winter for the community.”

The bonfire helps maintenance of the reserve, which is a Bushfire Place of Last Resort.

Organisers are hoping for a crowd in the hundreds at this year’s Winter Solstice Bonfire in Cape Clear. Photo: Cape Clear, Illabrook and Rokewood Junction Community Committee.

“We have to keep the sticks from under our windbreak trees from building up,” Kelly said. “We also burn some tree prunings from locals.

“Everything we do here hinges around fire safety. The fires in January this year had some of Cape Clear under evacuation warning.

“The Cape Clear Fire Brigade will have a fire truck on standby at the bonfire for safety.”

Last year’s bonfire attracted a crowd of about 250. Organisers are hoping for similar numbers this month.

“Lots of local people come along and surprisingly some have come from a long way away,” Kelly said. “For this year we have confirmations from people from down the coast.”

The bonfire lighting is set to start about 6.30pm.

Gates open at 5pm. Entry for children is free and by gold coin donation for adults.

Money raised will be used to support the town’s hall.

There will be a silent auction, lantern parade and live music. Campers are welcome.

More information is on the town’s community Facebook page or available by phoning 0405 411 132.