The Donnybrook Apple Festival 1956

Bridgetown cancelled their festival due to be held in 1955 because of a shortage of water and the ongoing polio epidemic. When they made the decision in February both Manjimup and Donnybrook felt it left them with too little time to organise a festival themselves. Donnybrook had already appointed one Queen contestant, Val Mitchell, sponsored by the Hospital Board and she had already raised £ 113 ($226) for a new operating room for the hospital. The Hospital Committee decided to carry on fund raising and reached the £500 ($1000) total they required. Manjimup held its first Festival from Easter Saturday to Monday, the 31st March and the 2nd April 1956. The committee was under the chairmanship of Mr. F. Wiseman with Reg Wheeler Vice Chairman and J. Johnston, Secretary-Organiser.

The festival started on Good Friday night with the showing of two religious films, "Which Will Ye Have"
(Christ or Barrabas?) and the portrayal of St. Paul's life "Faith Triumphant". A Reso (Residential) train again brought visitors from Perth and the Saturday program got under way after lunch in front of an estimated 3,000 spectators. It featured the South West Cycle Handicap, motor cycling demonstrations and four brass bands supported with marching girls. The Fremantle Girls Highland Pipe Band again took part. The main log chop programme was cancelled due to the lack of entries. Nine axemen appeared to give an exhibition in a sweepstake event and gave visitors the opportunity of witnessing this type of sport. That night the Manjimup Repertory Club presented a comedy, "Count Your Blessings." in the Town Hall. On Sunday over 1000 people saw the opening stages of the Southwest Band contest at the beautiful setting of Fonty's Pool. Monday was the main day and 6,000 patrons saw the Fremantle Ladies' Pipe band give a display of highland dancing. Supporting bands and marching girls continued the spectacle. An Apple Box Derby, which was a race down the hill to Mount Street by youths in "hill trolleys", was also held.   (Courtesy of Doug Henderson's book "Apple Queens & Festivals")
 

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