A record number of people turned up to the festival this year with more stalls and a greater variety of attractions.

Camel rides were a huge success as was the visit from three Newcastle Knights who flew over the festival in their Westpac helicopter before landing.

The Knights entertained the crowd by giving them tips on their football game.

Eight-year-old Sami Davison was the first person to get the ball through the hole in the wall.

Winner of the pet parade on the day was Sharon Beeton from Greenpaws.

“The day was hugely successful; it has proved itself an established event,” event coordinator, Shona Hunter-Howarth said.

Local organisations were represented at the festival, using a day to promote their businesses, recruit new members and fundraise.

The festival is a large draw card for the town bringing people from out of town into Tea Gardens.

Accommodation began to fill on Friday night with holiday makers and stall holders from out of town coming to the festival.

Great Lakes mayor John Chadban officially opened the festival on Saturday at 10am.

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Lee Anderson, presented a certificate to the mosaic group at the opening, for their completion of another barbecue along the waterfront.

While the festival was the main highlight, the weekend officially started with the launch of FAME on Friday, October 26.

FAME stands for Focus on Artists in the Myall Exhibition and was held at the Tea Gardens Hotel Motel.

The artists on show in the inaugural exhibition were Jen Nicholas and Desley Voigt.

Jen produced 43 paintings and prints for the exhibition, while Desley, with a broken arm, produced 26.

Over 100 people turned up for the opening of the exhibition to see the artworks on sale and enjoy the champagne and nibbles provided.

“It’s such a great turn out, especially for a rainy night,” Jen said.

The FAME exhibition will be held in conjunction with the Myall River Festival each year to promote local artists.