NORTH Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is set to embrace country music and western fun this weekend, with Australian music favourite Shannon Noll headlining a free community hoedown at The Straddie Hotel.
The travla Hoedown, to be held on Saturday, July 25, promises an afternoon of live music, line dancing, family entertainment and country-themed activities, with organisers expecting locals and visitors to turn out in their best western wear.
The free event kicks off at 1.30pm, with The Straddie Hotel transformed into a country-style venue featuring line dancing and roping demonstrations by Cowgirl Surf Club, a mechanical bull, games, giveaways and food and drink specials, including travla beer.
Noll will cap off the day’s entertainment with a headline performance, supported by Queen Curlew, Maddie Cail & The Brumbies and DJ NICKA35.
The Great Australian Rum Co., led by Noll, will also be part of the event.
For those wanting to start the celebrations early, a limited-capacity SeaLink Pre-Party Boat Cruise will depart from Cleveland before the festival.
The $49 ticket includes return ferry travel, a live DJ set from NICKA35, line dancing aboard the vehicle ferry and transfers to and from The Straddie Hotel.
Passengers will also attempt to set an unofficial world record for the largest line dance performed on a vehicle ferry, with boarding from 11.15am.
While entry to the hoedown is free, organisers are encouraging guests to dress in their best country outfits for the chance to win prizes throughout the afternoon.
Public buses will connect The Straddie Hotel with the 7.45pm and 8.45pm passenger ferries, while accommodation is available for visitors wanting to extend their stay on the island.

