“CITYNEWS” snapper Gary Schafer wasn’t the only Queanbeyan resident out on the river yesterday, as his pictures show.

The sunny weather saw Queanbeyanites come out in force to watch the kayaking, dragon-boat racing and water ball fun.

There were also fishing workshops, lantern-making and a bike-powered cinema that showed a short movie made by Queanbeyan students.

Elsewhere we’ve told readers about the sculptures, which can be seen along the riverbank under the bridge on the eastern foreshore of the river – in front of the Riverbank Cafe, via Trinculo Place or Wanniassa Street. Access to the festival is also via Trinculo Place. The winning work by Queanbeyan artist Christopher Harman was praised for evoking the reeds along the riverbank.

Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall congratulated the ACT Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group which partnered with the council to organise the boat races.

“In previous years we’ve held the Queanbeyan Regatta in March, this year for the first time we’ve expanded the regatta into a fully-fledged river festival which I know will become a wonderful tradition for the town” he said.

All photos by Gary Schafer.