After the welcoming speech, dinner around a huge bonfire, and a special guest visit from 'Elvis', the imaginative talents of Yowah school children entertained locals and guests alike. The evening was topped off with dancing under the stars. Barbara McCondra launched Stephen and Mary Aracic's latest book Determined.

Throughout the festival, the friendliness and hospitality of the community made visitors from far and wide welcome.

An impressive collection of the finest local nut opal, as well as opal from as far a-field as Duck Creek, White Cliffs, and Lightning Ridge, were for sale.

More than 100 stalls displayed their opals, arts and crafts to the delight of visitors.

Everyone was most impressed by the private opal collection on display in the hall, as well as the creative expertise of those entering the jewellery design competition.

During the day, helicopter rides were available to those adventurous individuals willing to explore Yowah and the picturesque "bluffs" from a birds-eye view.

After a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday night, an auction in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was held.

The bidding was fierce as the community battled to show their support and appreciation for the dedication of the RFDS.

A series of lovely paintings of galahs by local artists, a variety of painted doors, from small appliances to the complete side of a car, and an assortment of donated items, from books to coins, raised much needed funds.

To add to the spirit of the bidding, Len Cram's special collectors edition glossy hard cover book A Journey with Colour - A History of White Cliffs Opal 1889-1999, fetched $200.

To our delight our contribution Determined, an autobiography in paperback was auctioned for $170.

The festivities drew to a close on the Sunday evening as the audience was entertained by award winning bush poets and storytellers. Festival organisers are to be commended for their efforts in planning and organising such a delightful event that brought community spirit to a new level.