Five millilitres of rain on Saturday morning did not spoil the fun.

Car parking was at a premium, as usual, and many visitors were parking up to one kilometres away. A courtesy bus operated to ease congestion.

There were more camping options this year, both private and by the festival.

There were acres of market stalls and food outlets with cuisine from various cultural traditions.

On Saturday there was the Kev Lee Single Fin Memorial surfing contest and a stripy socks fun run on Sunday to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.

The entertainment from the stage was almost non-stop with a variety of artists; Light the Night Leukaemia Foundation Lantern Walk; a fireworks display on Saturday night and sideshow alley did a roaring trade.

The main attraction for this festival is always the Kombi assembly and parade.

On Saturday afternoon, the Kombis, Kombi utes and VW Beetles paraded to the highway and then returned to Old Bar, cheered along the way by hundreds of local and visitor well wishers.

The crowd seemed bigger this year and the benefits flowed to local cafes and businesses who were very well patronised.

Well done to the organisers and the small army of volunteers, for carrying out the many tasks associated with a big event like this.

Five dogs, Toby, Nellie, Dash, Honey and Buddy, were blessed on the feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment last Sunday. Two cats were blessed in absentia, via their photograph.

The normal Anglican Holy Eucharist at Our Lady of Fatima church in Old Bar was held outside in perfect weather.

Craft at Old Bar resumes next Wednesday, October 16 after the school holiday break.

Pat will introduce us to the art of tea-bag paper folding to create lovely cards for any occasion, including Christmas cards or decorations.

Further information re requirements, etc. available from 0415 785 608. All ladies are welcome.

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