Bush ball raises the roof in Bangalow

THERE was bling galore in the Byron Bay hinterland last Saturday night as around 100 people gathered for the Bangalow Boujee Bush Ball.

A mechanical bull that organisers of the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre fundraising event hired for the evening proved to be a surprise hit.

“As the band finished their first set the curtains opened to reveal a parent riding the bull,” Amelia McLaurin, who is secretary of the pre-school’s parents’ committee, said.

“Almost everyone had a go, and it became very competitive!”

Abbie McEwen from Bangalow General Store won the unofficial bullriding competition with a time of 74 seconds, followed closely by her husband Anthony Macdonald a couple of seconds behind.

Ms McEwen, dressed in a sparkly sequined dress with facial gems, also took home the gong for the most boujee outfit.

Tonya Coren, who wore a fur coat and cowboy hat paired with a sequined dress, was named best-dressed female, while educator Micheal Sharmon, in a glittering pink jacket and matching cowboy hat, won best-dressed male.

“There were a lot more bush and country-themed outfits than last year,” Ms McLaurin said.

“It was lovely to see all sorts of people get dressed up and let their hair down.

“It was a really good opportunity to meet new people in the community.

“Lots of people said they wanted to come and win the ‘longest bull ride’ next year.”

The event at the A&I Hall raised about $6,500 for Bangalow Community Children’s Centre, which will go towards building a bike track.

“As a community daycare the money raised at these sort of events really makes a huge difference to what the centre is able to do and provide for the children so we are so grateful to all attendees, partners and sponsors who made it possible,” Ms McLaurin said.