The Avon Descent boat race and the International Food Festival in Toodyay: a short history, by Beth Frayne
50th Anniversary focus
Details about the Avon Descent boat race, in general, are either well known or easily discoverable. However, the involvement of folk in the Shire of Toodyay may not be so well known. To this end, on 12 August 2023, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first Avon Descent in 1973, the Shire of Toodyay and the Toodyay Historical Society joined forces to create a photographic display that focused on Toodyay’s involvement and contribution to the race and also other events on that weekend. Read the attached essay by THS member Beth Frayne, that describes significant events in the history of the Avon Descent boat race in Toodyay (1973 to date) and the Toodyay International Food Festival (2005 to date).
Photo caption: A film cameraman (far right) capturing Multiplex Avon Descent action below Extracts Weir, on the Avon River, Toodyay, on 5 August 2006 (the 35th boat race) (Photo: Beth Frayne, 2006)
File date: 28 Sept. 2023. Access: Free to View