The long-running, highly-anticipated Rowena Cracker Night is back this year, and promises plenty of bang for your buck.
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The annual fundraiser for Rowena Public School and Rowena Preschool will be held at the Rowena Shire Hall on Sunday, June 9.
With a barbecue dinner and supper provided by members of the Rowena community, as well as entertainment around the bonfires, and, of course, one of the best fireworks displays around, it's the perfect way to spend the Sunday evening of the June long weekend.
"We try and make it as much of a family night as possible," Rowena Preschool treasurer Julie Madden said.
The fireworks are done by Newcastle's Fireworks Factory, who Ms Madden said always put on a top show.
"The crackers are amazing," she said.
"They're really top quality and professional."
Narrabri band Three Legged Pig Dogs is sure to have everyone up and dancing, and the balloon raffle will be back with more than $1,500 worth of prizes to be won. A signed and framed Wallabies jersey will also be raffled.
Ms Madden said the cracker night has been a key event on Rowena's social calendar for more than 20 years, attracting more than 1,000 people in recent years.
The event is the major fundraiser for the Rowena Public School and Preschool, with all money raised going to support both schools.
"For the preschool, we raise money to keep the doors open," Ms Madden said.
"We receive no government funding, so what the community raises keeps the doors open.
"The money for the school goes towards things like excursions or tennis lessons that the students wouldn't normally get the opportunity to do.
"So it's a really worthwhile cause. We just try and raise as much money as we can. It is a 100 per cent fundraising community event. The whole of the Rowena district chips in."
While the drought has taken its toll on farmers in the district, Ms Madden encourages everyone from the wider region to come out to Rowena to enjoy a cracking night out.
"The drought is hurting a lot of people, so we really encourage people to come and have a night out and get together and take a load off," she said.
"We hope people from around will make the trip out to Rowena."
Gates open at 5pm. Entry is $20 for adults and $10 for children aged five to 12. BYO drinks and chairs. For more information, go to the Rowena Cracker Night Facebook page.
