It was an inspiring and emotional weekend as around 2000 people came together in support of each other and as part of the Share the Love Pambula event on Friday, February 14.
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The crowd cheered, clapped, shouted and cried as 13 RFS fire trucks made their way along Pambula's main street. As one local said of the party atmosphere that was also highly emotionally charged: "I had tears streaming down my face and still do as I think about it."
The streets were packed with people, food stalls, buskers and plenty of kids' activities. Food shops and restaurants designed special menus for the night and shops were open until late.
Organised by the Pambula Business Chamber, the event drew visitors from Canberra, Wollongong, the Riverina and further inland, with many admitting they had never visited before but vowing to return, chamber president Michelle Pettigrove said.
"It was about engendering a feeling of unity and celebrating our resilience with what we have been through and what we still have to face long-term and showing support for others," Ms Pettigrove said.
"About 13 RFS trucks led a procession of historic vehicles. It was probably one of the most emotional moments of the night. They (the onlookers) screamed, they shouted, they whistled. It was an opportunity to show utter gratitude and respect for what they had put on the line for us," Ms Pettigrove said.
"Straight afterwards Nathan Lygon walked into the street with his didgeridoo and started playing. The crowd just went silent and started moving forward, linking arms, some crying, hugging each other."
Afterwards people stayed to enjoy the ambiance and the dining opportunities. Business was brisk enough for Pambula Rotary Club to sell out of paella, pulled pork, barbecue sausages and lamb on the spit.
As a result, the club raised $1200, which will go to the Pambula RFS.
"A small return for keeping us safe in this part of the shire and a big thank you for working in other parts of the shire that were so badly hit," Rotary's Colin Dunn said.
Ms Pettigrove said that Pambula Rotary had provided huge support for the Friday night event.
"It would have been nothing without them, we owe them. Their presence was so powerful, they were everywhere."
The next day the action was at the Sapphire Turf Club for the Pambula Race Day followed by a big firies fundraiser at the Top Pub.
"It was a fantastic night with the Hoops playing and there were firies from all over including a big team from Tassie," Ms Pettigrove said.
She thanked the Sapphire Turf Club for providing the Pambula Race Day opportunity.
