Muster cup runneth over

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• On-stage at the Muster 2010
• Optus National Music Muster 2010
• Muster 2010 line-up

A SENSATIONAL line up of quality local entertainment and bargains galore to be found in the stores, are two reasons why a huge crowd is expected at this Saturday's free street party in Gympie.

The Pre Muster Party was traditionally held on a Thursday, however this year, due to popular demand, the event has been renamed Pre Muster Day and will be held on Saturday instead. Mary Street will be closed from 6.30am to 1pm to provide a mall-like atmosphere where the community can wander, enjoy great music and shop at various stalls.

Historically, the Pre Muster Party was organised to show off the beautiful city of Gympie to Muster visitors, however since that first street party 22 years ago, the event has become more about providing locals with a free experience.

Not everyone can afford to head out to the Muster for the weekend, or even for a day, which is why Pre Muster organiser Tracey McKean invites locals to join the celebrations and take advantage of the once-a-year shopping specials.

This year a variety of transport options will give visitors greater opportunities to travel to Gympie for the day. Package options include travel by Polleys Coaches or by rail from Amamoor to Mary Street for the party and to the Gympie Turf Club for the races (see page 20 for details).

“A morning street party on the Saturday will give those hundreds of early campers already at the Muster site the chance to come into Gympie for a day out,” Ms McKean said.

“This year Gympie Cooloola Tourism has put together some fantastic transport options combining buses and/or Ride the Rattler choices.

“We hope we get plenty of visitors for the Pre Muster party who then go onto the Nolan Meats Muster Cup at the Turf Club in the afternoon.

“We also look forward to the many local families who are normally at work, school or volunteering at the Muster on a Thursday, to come along and enjoy a fun morning of shopping and free entertainment.”

Come on down to Gympie town, bring your friends and grab yourself a bargain. Market stalls will be a showcase of local produce, handmade products, chocolates, Vienna style macadamias, jams, chutneys, ready-to-eat German sausages, timber and sheepskin products, licorice, and more.

Head out to the Gympie Turf Club for the five-race program from 11.30am.

The afternoon's events include Fashions on the Field, Bundy Rum promo girls and after races party.