While another fun and colourful Eden Whale Festival has wrapped up and the memories are still bringing smiles to the faces of locals and visitors alike, this year's festival organisers are already looking to the future.
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Many of the committee members responsible for this year's Festival have been behind the event for between three and six years and are now seeking to recruit enthusiastic organisers who can take the reins of the town's biggest annual community celebration.
Out going President Mick Sawers said it had been a privilege to lead the committee for the past three years, but it was time to hand over the baton to a new team - one that can bring renewed energy and direction.
"The Whale Festival brings the town together and celebrates everything that makes Eden a great place to live and work", Mr Sawers said.
"It's really important to continue the tradition for people of all ages, who look forward to the event each year."
Many people who have lived in Eden since childhood have grown up with the Festival and now bring their own children to enjoy all that it has to offer.
One of those locals is Louise Kelly, local underwater photographer and mother of two. Louise was the guest speaker at the Festival Exhibition Launch last Friday night. During her presentation, she spoke about her work but also about the special place the Festival has had in her heart, ever since she was a little girl.
"I love that I can bring my children to the Festival each year and watch as they take in the silliness and wonder of the parade and the energy and excitement of the Festival grounds. I came to the Festival all through my primary and high school years and my memories of it will be with me forever, " Ms Kelly said.
It's not just locals who enjoy Eden's annual celebration. People travel from near and far to soak up the unique experience, to see local sights and to go whale watching.
Although the festival has only just finished the committee have already received messages from visitors commending the town on this year's event.
According to committee member Sharon Wellard a woman who had travelled with her family from Nowra to attend the Festival sent a message to let organisers know what a great weekend the family had experienced.
"They loved the street parade, the coming together of the floats and the community at the festival grounds," Ms Wellard said.
The Festival has been running for 23 out of the past 24 years. In 2010, it failed to go ahead because a committee couldn't be put together. Mr Sawers said he remembered the feeling of loss people felt the year it was cancelled.
"It was such a shame it had to be cancelled that year. I think people really felt the loss. A tradition that brings smiles to faces and a warm sense of community and history is worth investing in," he said adding he hoped new crew of people will be inspired to jump on board for the coming years.
"Current committee members will be available to give advice and mentor a new committee. They're happy to share their knowledge and any background that will help a new team be successful.
"A tradition that brings smiles to faces and a warm sense of community and history is worth investing in," Mr Sawers said.
If your interested in becoming involved with the Eden Whale Festival call Mick on 0466 257 082 or email :admin@edenwhalefestival.com.au
