By nine o’clock on Wednesday morning there had already been a fall of 39.2 mm in Lightning Ridge, with more rain forecast for the rest of the week, but after weeks of preparations the committee wasn’t about to let that stop them.

Event co-ordinator Angela Myers was busy making last-minute arrangements yesterday for one of Lightning Ridge’s biggest annual events.

Although she was disappointed the weather had taken a turn for the worse she said there wasn’t much anyone could do about it so it was full steam ahead.

Attracting about 120 stallholders each year, the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival is an action-packed four days of fun with everything from the Opal and Gem Expo and IOJDAA Tradeshow to the Opal Queen Ball and Opal Miner of the Year competition.

With exhibitors of black, boulder and white opal, rough, rubs and polished and cut stones set to attend the festival, Ms Myers said all the opal buyers out there would be well advised to be cashed up if they wanted to take advantage of some of the best deals to be had in Australia.

Meanwhile the same great range of bargains will be available at the Opal and Gem Expo including jewellery, tools, machinery, coffee, clothes, strawberries, socks, clothing, leather goods, garden ornaments, timber craft and other novelty items. Why not do as Ms Myers suggests and get this year’s Christmas shopping over and done with early?

And if you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, maybe you should take some time out to catch up with friends at one of the many social events which are part of the festival. DJ Deano will entertain the hordes at the bowling club on Friday evening before the prestigious Opal Queen Ball and Opal Miner of the Year presentation on Saturday.

The Opal Queen Ball promises to be a night of tough competition. At this stage there are about 10 contestants vying for the title of either Opal Queen or Miss Popularity. Come along to the club on Saturday night to check out Lightning Ridge’s loveliest ladies. Tickets cost $25 and will be for sale from 11.30am to 1pm on Saturday at the club or at the door from 7pm.

The winner of the inaugural Opal Miner of the Year competition will also be announced at the Opal Queen Ball.

New to the program this year the Opal Miner of the Year is also shaping up to be a tight contest.

Voting closes on Friday so make sure you get any last-minute votes in soon.

In the meantime keep your fingers crossed that the worst of the weather has passed.