The Rochedale Fete is returning for the first time in eight years, celebrating Rochedale State School’s 95th year with one of the biggest local community events of the year.
Schedules for Saturday, 1 August, the fete features rides for all ages, including a Flashdance and Swinger Ride for older thrill seekers, as well as a ball pit and giant slide for the younger ones.
Additionally, unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased for $50 dollars, or $10 per ride.
Multiple food trucks and drinks stalls, as well as a market pavilion will also be available in the fete, with performances from Rochedale State School bands ensembles and choirs, Intrinsic School of Dance and GKR Karate.
This year’s fete is the brainchild of Ashleigh Ryan, a member of the Rochedale State School Parents and Citizens’ Association, and a mother of a student at the school.
As fete convenor, Ms Ryan remembers initial doubts about whether a fete could be organised again, with her and Rochedale State School P&C president Rob Timms concerned about whether there would be enough volunteers.
They also worried about whether the school was willing to support a fete after the 2020 Fete was cancelled due to the COVID lockdown, and following years not having enough support to organise one again.
However, a chat with principal Melissa Boyle and many other school mums jumping in to help her plan made this fete a reality.
“The school has been so supportive. Coming from kind of the first impression that maybe they wouldn’t like to bring the fete back, that it’s too much work, too risky, I’ve seen the opposite,” Ms Ryan said.
“The school principal, Melissa Boyle, is our biggest fan. She’s so excited to see the school host this event and get all of the teachers and students and families involved.”
Ms Ryan said there has been a lot of proactive engagement and participation by the school in planning and promoting the fete.
Both students and staff have been heavily involved, from sharing it with their families, and they even had a flyer competition where the winner, Nahla from Year 4, would have her fete flyer design both on the school billboard and around the community.
Sarah Gray, another parent and also part of the fete planning committee, said starting to plan the fete from scratch was challenging as what was done eight years ago may not be relevant now, but she has heard excitement in the community over the fete returning.
“I think it’s a lot of hard work to bring together as we’re learning from scratch, and it takes a lot of people and a lot of time outside of being a mom and dad and having a full-time job for some of us, but I’ve heard feedback from parents, friends and friends say they’re excited to see something come back after so long.”
“Most of us would have attended a fete at some point in our childhood or lives and I think we are missing that in our community. So I think everyone is excited to have the fete back at Rochedale,” Ms Gray said.
Intrinsic School of Dance director Michelle Zillmann said performing in front of the local community was an exciting opportunity for the approximately 100 hip hop, modern jazz and acrobatics dancers at her school.
“The Rochedale State School Fete has long been a significant event in the Rochedale Community, and the Intrinsic School of Dance is a local dance school that has performed at the Rochedale Fete since 1993,” Ms Zillman said.
Principal Melissa Boyle said: “The Fete is a wonderful opportunity for families and local community to connect and to showcase our wonderful school.”
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