Despite it being twenty five degrees outside and sunny in Coonamble over the weekend you may have seen the snow falling at the showground!

While it may not have been real snow (we don't live in Jindabyne after all!) Coonamble's inaugural Winterfest on 26 and 27 August brought people together from around the district for a weekend of fun in the snow.

Headlining the weekend was the synthetic ice skating rink inside the pavilion and fake snow machine outside, which according to Coonamble Shire Council mayor, Tim Horan, drew quite the crowd.

"We recorded more than 1200 bookings for skating sessions for the two days," said Cr Horan.

"With accompanying family members, who often didn’t skate, there could have been 1500 to 2000 people attending over the two days."

The crowd wasn't just local. 

Coonamble Shire Council General Manager, Paul Gallagher, says groups from around NSW made the trip up to snowy Coonamble for a skate.

"The event attendees were predominantly from the Coonamble Shire, including Gulargambone and Quambone," said Mr Gallagher.

"But it also attracted attendees from Dubbo, Walgett, Nyngan, Baradine, and Gilgandra."

"The aim of this event and the funding received from the Department of Regional NSW was to bring out community and families together to experience something new."

PHOTO: Thrills and spills on ice.

In the days following the event, Cr Horan says the feedback received has been "overwhelmingly positive."

"The synthetic ice rink was the major drawcard, but the main highlight for many who completed our event survey said the best past was being able to spend time with their children and see the joy on their faces," said Cr Horan.

Apart from the snow and ice, patrons were also able to enjoy some food and markets.

"It was a priority to provide the opportunity for community groups and locals to hold a market stall," said Cr Horan.

There were more than ten stalls in attendance including, TCD Candles, Hydes Hides by M&M, Chambers market stall, Gemstones n More, Saltbush Lamb, Lil’ Coffee Cart, Stewiechicks, Dippin Dots Ice-cream, Cakes Slices by Tracey, Rotary Club of Coonamble and St Brigids P and F. 

Sometimes it takes a team.

Following the success of the event, Coonamble Shire Council General Manager, Paul Gallagher hopes to bring back Winterfest for another weekend in 2024.

"This was a financially significant event for such a small Council as Coonamble Shire," said Mr Gallagher.

"It's continuation as an event on our local calendar will depend on the availability of funding from a variety of sources."

"Coonamble Shire will be pursuing any available funding to make sure the event can happen next year."

PHOTOS by Coppercophotography