Community Displays | Townsville & Aitkenvale Qld
Sunday: 27 July
Townsville Swap Meet and School Events – Right Around Australia Project
Combined Motor Club Swap Meet @ Showgrounds
Despite cloudy conditions, the team proceeded to the showgrounds where the swap meet was already bustling with attendees and vintage vehicles. Interest in Bubsie was immediate, with visitors approaching before the display was fully established, asking questions and taking photographs.
The automotive enthusiast audience proved highly receptive, with most attendees gladly accepting books and QR-coded cards. Many visitors engaged in extended conversations about Bubsie while sharing memories of their own vintage vehicles from years past, creating natural connections through automotive nostalgia. The team distributed numerous books throughout the day.
Weather conditions remained cooperative despite several threatening rain periods, with precipitation only beginning as the team packed up equipment. This timing raised concerns about the subsequent school billy cart event scheduled for later.
As the team departed, event staff reported exceptional attendance, having exhausted their supply of 1,700 wristbands – significantly exceeding normal turnout expectations. The $5 entry fee supported Ronald McDonald House fundraising efforts, and the organisers suggested Bubsie’s presence may have contributed to the record attendance numbers, enhancing both community engagement and charitable outcomes.
Sunday: 27 July
Billy Cart Derby and Family Fun Day @ Riverside School
The short 7km journey back to Riverside School was completed without rain interference, arriving at 10:30 AM just before the official event commencement. Bubsie made a ceremonial entrance through the school gates, proceeding directly to the billy cart race starting line.
As Bubsie’s engine revved, the crowd erupted in cheers while she completed a demonstration lap around the entire track to the finish line, establishing a ceremonial “record time.” Positioned under the gazebo, Bubsie became a focal point for spectators during the children’s races, generating continued interest and book distributions.
Many attendees already possessed books but sought additional information and closer examination of Bubsie’s mechanical features. The event featured diverse attractions, including food stalls, a jumping castle, book displays, medical check-ups, therapeutic neck and shoulder massages (appreciated by several team members at $5 for five minutes), and displays of both vintage and modern vehicles.
Weather conditions improved dramatically by lunchtime, revealing sunny skies for the billy cart finals. The competitive racing generated tremendous excitement and entertainment, creating an outstanding community day. The team hoped Bubsie’s prominent presence would generate increased interest in the riverside school and its educational programs.
