Around 24,000 people came out for the Lane Cove Rotary Fair on Sunday and once again it was one of our favourite days of the whole year.
Out from behind the laptops
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was absolutely perfect, and the whole of Lane Cove was buzzing from the moment the stalls opened.
Most of our week is spent glued to our laptops chasing stories, so getting out from behind the screen and actually chatting with all of you is a real treat.
Renee and Liz held the fort at the ITC stall for much of the day. It was also Margie’s first Rotary Fair at the ITC stall. Margie looks after Advertising and Partnerships for In the Cove, so hopefully a fair few of you got to meet her. Our founder Jacky Barker popped in for a few short (and very welcome) cameos too.
Our volunteer journalist Anthony El-Khoury was on the ground taking photos for his first Lane Cove Rotary Fair as part of the ITC team.
We also had visits from all three levels of government. Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood, State MP for Lane Cove Anthony Roberts and Federal MP for Bennelong Jerome Laxale each stopped by, and we snapped a photo with each of them.
Thank you for stopping by
We managed to get out for a wander and say hello to so many familiar faces. And to everyone who came by the stall, thank you.
Some of you wanted to talk about something we’d written. Some came to tell us you follow us. Some came for a tea towel (excellent choice). And some simply stopped to say thank you for what we do, or to let us know we’re appreciated. Those moments mean more than you know.
It was also lovely to meet some of our supporters in person, the people who back us through Press Patron and Shout Us a Coffee. You help keep local news in Lane Cove free for everyone to read.
The Fair by the numbers
Lane Cove Rotary says around 24,000 people came through on the day, with more than 150 stalls offering handmade products, gifts, fashion, homewares, community organisations and plenty more.
The Mega Raffle was another highlight, with more than $15,000 worth of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.
Fundraising figures are still being finalised, but Rotary says it’s delighted with the community support. Proceeds go to Lane Cove Rotary’s community projects, which include Delvena Women’s Refuge, the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, the Lane Cove Toy Library and Heartland Academy Nepal.
None of it happens without Rotary members and volunteers, who gave their time not just on Fair Day but over many months of planning and preparation.
Lane Cove Rotary said it was an incredible day for Lane Cove.
“To see around 24,000 people come together to enjoy the Fair, support local businesses and celebrate our community was just fantastic. The Fair is also a great example of what can be achieved through the strong partnership between Lane Cove Rotary and Lane Cove Council, with Sustainability Lane adding another fantastic dimension to the event.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Council, our sponsors, stallholders, performers, volunteers and everyone who helped make the day such a success. For Lane Cove Rotary, the Fair is about so much more than a great day out. It’s about bringing our community together and raising funds that allow us to continue making a difference throughout the year.”
See you next year
Thank you to Lane Cove Rotary for having us, and to everyone who made the day so special. Same spot next year? We’ll be there.
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