THE EYES HAVE IT: Showing great vision by checking out the OPSM citrus sculpture at yesterday’s construction day are Kate, 7, Alex, 5, and Harry Jordan, 7.
BANNA Avenue took its annual hit of vitamin C yesterday as hundreds helped transform the bottom end of the street into an ocean of orange for the annual citrus sculptures display.
On a perfect spring morning, a small army of volunteers used more than 100,000 oranges – and a few thousand grapefruit – to carefully construct 51 sculptures, ranging from a giant chicken to an elaborate castle.
Fuelled by orange juice and snags, retirees worked alongside schoolkids and backpackers stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers in a moving show of community spirit.
The sculptures will stand for two weeks before being dismantled at the end of the upcoming Griffith Festival of Gardens.
PICTURE GALLEY: More of the sculptures
Rabobank Griffith branch manager Bernie Connolly and five of his staff were among the throng of volunteers at the event, helping build a giant piggy bank.
“This is very unique and in fact we’re the only branch in Australia that can do something like this,” Mr Connolly said.
“This is a great community event and why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it.”
Griffith council’s new tourism manager Greg Lawrence said not only did the sculptures draw visitors to the city but they stood as a shining symbol of what the community held dear.
“I’m blown away – I can’t get past the amazing community feel here,” Mr Lawrence said.
“The dedication of the committee that puts this together behind the scenes and all the volunteers is exceptional.”
Festival committee member Cr Dino Zappacosta described the atmosphere at the construction morning as “mindblowing”.
He urged the community to welcome tourists and help “keep the area pristine” over the next two weeks.