Giddy-up, backpackers, caravaners, locals and neighbours of Oak Park – get on down to the dance hall at Oak Park Station on 15 November for a fun-filled night of music, mates and merrymaking. Catch up with friends and family; swap travelling tips; share stories of life on the road.
Festival of Small Halls Oak Park will also feature local support from Bella Keough.
Bella has enjoyed singing since she was little and started singing along to the songs in the movie ‘Frozen’ but she really began to hone her craft in 2018. This was last year when a young Bella only in grade 8, started singing lessons and first began performing in singing competitions. Now she’s been playing guitar for about a year and has also taken up piano lessons to expand her repertoire.
Locally, Bella’s played at events such as The Oasis Christmas Party, Jervoise Station Camping and Adventure, and at the Mt Surprise Horse Sports. At a competitive level, she’s performed at the Charters Towers Eisteddfod, the RSL Singing Competition, Charters Towers Country Music Festival, Hughenden Country Music Festival, and the FNQ Country Music Festival in Mareeba.
Bella’s goals and aspirations include in the short term to do the Academy of Country Music junior course in Tamworth and in five years’ time, she hopes to be able to make a career out of music and release her own album.
Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start – see you there!
Festival of Small Halls hasn’t visited Oak Park before so, we’re incredibly excited to meet the locals, welcome in some travellers and unite under the roof of the dance hall. Below is a collection of photos from our shows over the years. Each and every community holds a special place in our hearts.
Located approximately 65km south of the Lynd Junction in far north QLD, Oak Park is a tight-knit community that takes great pride in working together to host the races, a Melbourne Cup Luncheon, Christmas Party and other monthly social events in their dance hall at Oak Park Station.
The famous races came to call Oak Park home back in 1929. Held annually, races kicked-off at 9am and when the day was over, people danced and there were merry-go-rounds for the children. During 2007 the area was hit with heavy rainfall so, for the first time ever, the horse races were cancelled. The day went ahead however, with horses being replaced by foot races and other novelty events; a testament to the community’s resilience and high spirits.
Facilities at Oak Park include private camping grounds, hot and cold showers, race track and a tennis court.
Dinner is steak sandwiches for $10. Tea and coffee will be available as well as a licensed bar.
For those camping out, breakfast is available at $10 a head – sausages, eggs, toast, coffee/tea. Yum!
Oak Park Station stands on lands traditionally owned by the Ewamian people.