Rotary FNQ Field Days draw bumper crowds

The Rotary FNQ Field Days in Mareeba got off to a strong start with 5000 people attending on day one, followed by a record second day turnout of around 6,500 people.

Event chairman Trevor Duncan said the three-day event, which featured more than 500 exhibitors, went really well.

"The value of all the machinery, equipment and products would be in the tens or even in the hundreds of millions," he said.

"Considering the year we had last year, it was a fantastic result.

"I think the fact we were able to put this on at all was a big achievement, there have been times that we were worried.

"I think everyone was looking for a chance to get out and attend something like this.

"I didn't speak to one person who gave me any negative feedback, exhibitor or visitor."

Mr Duncan said the car parks were full and everyone involved was kept busy.

"On our big day on the Thursday, the traffic was lined up into the main street of Mareeba but no one complained about it," he said.

"People said, 'oh, we kind of expected that'.

"It was really the first big event for maybe 15 or 16 months in this part of the world."

Mr Duncan said the online ticket system had worked well, enabling visitors to get through the gate much faster.

"We did take some cash at the gate but I think from now on we'll be pushing online sales, it worked so well," he said.

Mr Duncan also praised the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the days.

"We had 150 volunteers apart from the committee and it's due to them that we can make the event such a success," he said.

"We've got a committee of 13 virtually and there's no way in the world we could do this without all of the volunteers that put their hand up to help out.

"They have been so positive... there's no problems, there are just solutions. We owe a lot to them."

The Rotary FNQ Field Days are a joint initiative between the Rotary Clubs of Atherton and Mareeba and are held biennially. Mareeba Tyrepower, Mareeba Mazda and NQ Agricultural Services were the major sponsors for 2021.