Urana enjoys an evening of BBQ & feasting & more at Flame N’ Feast

Published on 05 February 2024

Urana and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday 3 February for Flame N’ Feast, a spectacular BBQ event hosted at the Urana Aquatic Centre by the Federation Council. 

Festivities boasted an array of free attractions including kids' amusement rides, face painting, an exciting cooking demo by celeb chef Grant Neal, as well as a variety of food trucks, live music and enticing market stalls.

The event commenced with a Welcome to Country and stirring didgeridoo performance from Wiradjuri elder, Michael Lyons. Guests were then treated to delectable bites from renowned food trucks such as Redhead and Chef, Max’s BBQ, Slinky Spuds, Yum Yum May, and frosty sweets from the Ice Cream Van.

A highlight of the evening was the fiery cooking demonstration by award-winning BBQ pitmaster, Grant Neal, who cooked up a cut of local lamb. Grant then awarded the grand BBQ prize of Flame N’ Feast ‘Dish Of The Day’ going to Cody and Mandy from Redhead &  Chef with their Beef Brisket & Stacked Fragrant Rice. 

Other awards from the day went to culinary maestros in the following categories: 

• Best BBQ Sauce: Brie and Jake from Rub N’ Smoke for their Smoky BBQ Sauce.

• Best Sauce: Amanda from Yarramanda Farm for her Chili Sauce.

• Best Condiment: Jan Roberts for her Pickled Zucchinis.

• Best Condiment Runner-up: Marie for her Green Tomato Relish.

• Best Sweet Treat: Marj Ferguson for her Caramel Slice.

The picturesque Urana Aquatic Centre foreshore provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities and performances from musicians Toby Mobbs, Dylan Raath, and Marcus Osborne. The Mulwala Waterski Club delivered a number of performances that left a lasting impression on all attendees.

“I was thrilled to not only see such a wonderful turn out from the local community but to see guests come from further afield to enjoy this evening with us,” said Cr Patrick Bourke, Federation Council Mayor. “It has been a tough couple of years for us folk here in Urana and the Federation Council so it’s so important to come together in celebration and see the various community groups work together to put on nights like tonight. Thanks to all involved.“

Urana Flame N’ Feast was made possible with the support of the Waterfront Pavilion, Urana Bowling Club, Corowa Lions Club and cookbook author Nikalene Riddle. The event was funded by the NSW State Government's Reconnecting Regional NSW, community events program and is one of five events in a series being rolled out in the North of the Murray region this Summer.