Fire to light Cape Clear’s night

THE Cape Clear community’s annual bonfire night will light up the sky tomorrow evening.

The event celebrates the winter solstice and provides an opportunity for residents to come together and stay warm.

It is the Cape Clear Recreation Reserve and Hall Committee of Management’s main fundraiser of the year.

“There have been tough times in the community… you never know when those are going to come again,” said committee of management chair Evelyn Cannon.

“If we can build the community now, then when those tough times come, we know each other and we can support each other.”

The bonfire will be lit at approximately 6.30pm and there will also be a lantern parade, a silent auction, coin toss, and games of pétanque.

A sausage sizzle and live music by local act Duck ‘n’ Weave will also be on offer.

This year’s bonfire is in the shape of a Viking ship and Cape Clear Primary School students have each painted a shield to decorate it.

The ship is made from recycled materials from WestWind Energy and resulting ash will be composted.

Boat builder and committee of management treasurer Terry Kelly said the group was inspired to create a ship due to maritime connections at Cape Clear.

“We have a lighthouse in Cape Clear… this year we were thinking something maritime,” he said.

“In mid-winter in the Shetlands they burn a Viking boat.”

Entry is by gold coin donation for adults or free for children. Anyone wishing to camp overnight is asked to contact Ms Cannon on 0405 411 132.

The bonfire night will take place this Saturday 21 June from 5pm. It is supported by Berrybank Wind Farm and Golden Plains Shire Council.