Cooking demo boosts parade

Hollie Boniface with five-year-old Celeste, 10-year-old Harry and eight-year-old Evie keeping dry. 161385_01 Picture: ROB CAREW.

By Alana Mitchelson

THE Emerald Primary School community did not allow the rain to dampen its parade, attracting its usual crowd of about 1000 to the annual school fair.
Principal Mark Carver said the best new addition had been a cooking demonstration from Argentinian head chef Mauro Callegari of The Independent restaurant in Gembrook.
All ingredients were donated as he created prawn paella before crowds on Saturday 5 November.
Other attractions included an art show, market stalls, a second-hand book sale, car boot sale, live auctions and a photo booth.
Mr Carver said he was grateful for the level of community support the fair received each year.
“They come no matter what the weather is like, and I think that sends a good message that our community is really strong,” he said.
“At this stage, the gross takings are over $30,000 which is right up there with our best ever results.”
“We appreciate the event co-ordinators, and the many parents and staff who spend hours on stalls, setting and cleaning up to help the day run smoothly.“
This year’s proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the school library.