Those celebrations continue this week in the form of the Burdekin Water Festival.

The festival began last weekend and runs through until this coming Sunday, with a family fun day at the Burdekin Ski Club on Hutchings Lagoon at Ayr.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the celebrations which sends the region into a flurry of events.

Last Saturday, proceedings kicked off with the opening of the Burdekin Art Society Art Show, followed by a full Sunday of activities including the Tastes of the Burdekin which consisted of a large number of food stalls showcasing the vast array of local produce available in the Burdekin.

There were also art and craft stalls and entertainment on centre stage at the Burdekin Theatre Forecourt.

The Burdekin Water Festival is known for bringing out the creativity of its residents.

Nowhere is this shown more than in the wearable art competition and parade where all manner of second hand and recyclable items were used to create outfits.

Tomorrow night, the Burdekin Memorial Hall at Home Hill will host the Gala Ball, then on Saturday, the events continue within Ayr including The Silly Billies Show, the Junior Dash for Cash and the Festival Procession.