NOT even the rain could stop the action at the Guyra Trout Fest.
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People from all over the region came to sample local fish, handmade crafts and have a go at fly fishing on Saturday. There was even a bit of fire twirling.
Fire Rosa fire twirler Mari Grantun started with a broomstick more than 20 years ago.
“It was just nice to do of an evening when the kids had gone to bed,” Ms Grantun said.
“I didn’t buy a fire stick until after a year or two, I wanted to be really good – I just didn’t feel I wanted to light it straight away because I had to earn it.
“Where now I have people coming up to me at parties asking to have a go and it’s like – it’s dangerous!”
Ms Grantun said she wasn’t scared when she first started with fire.
“You practice so much that you really trust your ability,” she said.
“I have hit myself before – I’ve had a black eye for a long time from when I’ve smacked myself.
“But as long as you wear the right clothing, you don’t do it outside in long grass in summer, what’s the worst that can happen?”
Fire twirling partner Tyrone Phillips said it was his mother who bought him his first twirling stick.
“I was about ten years old, it wasn’t one that you light on fire, but I eventually ended up getting into fire twirling with a group in Grafton,” he said.
“I wear a beanie because I don’t want to set my hair on fire, but other than that it’s really only ever going to singe it.”
Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said it was a fantastic event.
“There’s still a huge crowd even despite the weather,” Mr Murray said.
“And it’s great to see so many local growers, producers and makers come out to showcase their goods to the region.
“I just think it’s fantastic.”
T&A Meats Trevor and Ann Cook were awarded best window display.
Mrs Cook said it took them a while to put together, but they were happy with the result. The Guyra Trout Fest finished on Monday