Harvest ball to add glamour to community

Renaye Stokes and Jane Barndon are already starting to sow seeds for one of Chapman Valley’s biggest harvests.

The Chapman Valley Community Ball president and secretary are ramping up for what they expect will be a successful second-time event.

The biennial harvest ball aims to get farmers off the farm for a family-friendly community event and had its launch in 2013.

Ball gowns, black ties and mud-free shoes are all part of the dress code for one the region’s most glamorous events and Mrs Stokes said tickets would be on sale in a matter of weeks.

“We have not had anything of this calibre in the area before the ball and it was really successful for its first attempt, ” she said.

“This event is a way to bring our community together and focuses on building resilience, which has been one of our key goals.

“There is no real celebration of the seasons, which is why this ball is held later in the year.”

This year’s ball will be held at the Chapman Valley Community Hall on October 3 and is a family-friendly event.

Mrs Stokes said the event encouraged guests to frock up and suit up for a special evening shared with the community.

“We could have had a flanno and mullet hoedown, but we thought there is probably enough of that around here, ” she said.

“We want to give something back to our community so this is an event people can come and enjoy and not expect to have their hands in their pockets or to dish out donations for anything.”

There will be bar facilities and a light supper provided, which is included in the ticket price.

For more information or to book tickets for the event, visit the Chapman Valley Community Harvest Ball Facebook page.