Tunarama, South Australia
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sat 5th May 2007 at 03:03 AM, Filed in January
We are all familiar with throwing events in the Olympics - shot put, javelin and hammer, some of us even throw the caber. But have you heard of throwing fish?!
No? Why not head to Australia where this slippery event is held. When? Over the Australia Day (January 26th) weekend each year, the Eyre Peninsular is host to the John West Tunarama Festival.
Tunarama is claimed to be South Australia’s premier holiday event celebrating Port Lincoln’s primary industry, the Tuna, and plays host to the ‘Tuna Toss’! This seaside town attracts 25,000 people over three nights and four fun filled days of celebrations. It’s fishy claim to fame is in professing to be the “Seafood capital of Australia” so it stands to reason that the festivals main event is tossing a fish.
The specially frozen Tuna (to aid grip and flight) weigh approximately nine kilos each. A rope is tied around them, competitors hoist the fish high above their heads and spin them (a bit like throwing a hammer) and let them fly! Men and women participate in both categories – Athletic and Amateur, all having a go at winning the coveted title. The current record is actually held by a former Olympic hammer thrower with a distance of 37.23 metres. The actual Tunarama competition takes place over two days on the foreshore of the town with prize money of $7,000 cash being shared out among the winners, so there is a real competitive edge to the event with a lot at stake – or should that be steak…Tuna steak of course!
This festival has too many attractions to list them all. If you don’t fancy throwing a fish, then join in the fun run, or for the super-fit the triathlon. Too much like hard work? The picturesque foreshore lawns are transformed into a bustling area, offering something for everyone, music, sideshows and rides. Meander round the huge variety of 50 sites and stalls, offering everything from food, art and craft and entertainment.
Watch the other competitions – including tug-of-war, wheat-sheaf tossing, and the slippery pole, not forgetting the boat building and the beach girl competition (one for the boys!) Enjoy the sand sculptures, street parades with floats and children dressed up in fancy costumes. On the last day (Sunday), see the rodeo and watch in the evening a spectacular firework display from the town jetty. Feeling lazy after all this wandering around, why not take a camel or helicopter ride to give your legs a rest.
The festival started in 1962, with something for everyone to see or participate in. Each year it increases in size as more events are added making it fun filled family occasion.
Not interested in participating in gruelling events? You can even take a camel or helicopter ride.
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