THE Camden Haven will be a showpiece for the bike leg of this weekend’s Urban Hotels Group Ironman Triathlon with three parties set to entertain competitors, locals and visitors alike.
The three events have been organised by a strong team of volunteers working with the World Triathlon Corporation, Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan will come alive with rides, jumping castles and DJs pumping out music with live transmissions of the race at the Laurieton United Services Club and North Haven.
A free water taxi service, thanks to the team at the Dunbogan Boatshed will run between the three locations - LUSC, North Haven Community Hall and the Dunbogan Boatshed. Last year this service was well utilised by locals and visitors eager to catch the action and enjoy local cafes and restaurants along the bike leg. Around 800 people were ferried across the Camden Haven River to absorb the fun of the day. Businesses who opened on that Sunday reported strong trade - local cafe Book Heaven reported their best Sunday trading ever.
This Sunday local schools are supporting riders and spectators by manning drink, food and aid stations and offering bacon and egg roll stalls, face painting, a MEGA foot rally and two jumping castles. Foot rally forms can be picked up at LUSC, Dunbogan Boatshed or Courier office. It’s a competition to collect items and information from across North Haven, Laurieton and Dunbogan on Ironman day; think scavenger hunt/car rally on foot. There are great pizes on offer to those who can answer all the questions and find the hidden items. Entrants will be in the draw to win three great prizes. Winners drawn Friday May 11 at 6pm at the Laurieton United Services Club.
There will also be competitions for best banner, best photos and best decorated bike on Ironman day.
Garry Carpenter, president of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce and member of the volunteer organising committee for ironman, hopes to see people out enjoying the day.
“This will be a big party atmosphere and we welcome everyone to come down and make as much noise as possible to cheer on the local and professional athletes whose inspiring energy make this a truly special event,” Mr Carpenter said.
“The fun begins at 8 am and will carry on through out the day. This is a chance to enjoy a major international sporting event in our own backyard. Bold St shops will be fully accessible from the Kew exit and will welcome your support.
“We hope the Camden Haven community enjoys the fun and spirit of Ironman and supports the athletes and local businesses for a fantastic day full of inspiring performances.”