THERE was a definite party atmosphere as Warwick’s 150th birthday celebrations drew to a close yesterday with the last event on the program – the Party in the Park Family Fun Day.

Seven-year-old Teiauna Orchard was one of those sharing in the excitement of the event with her grandmother Daphne Orchard.

“I like all of the days in the park,” she said.

“I had a ride on a horse and carriage.”

One of the thrills for her was jumping from the top of a table onto the back of one of two Jacks, who entertained in Leslie Park yesterday.

Aboriginal dancer Terry Olsen, who travelled from Sydney to perform in the park, provided the early and late entertainment.

He performs all over the world, and went solo in the Sydney Olympics and at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, but was delighted to be back home for 150th celebrations.

A former student of Warwick Central State School, St Mary’s and Slade School, Mr Olsen will be back in Warwick for NAIDOC Week in July.

Mayor Ron Bellingham didn’t put a figure on what economic benefit 150 year celebrations would have on Warwick but he made it clear that new residents were coming to the Southern Downs Regional Council area to get away from the east coast strip.

“Our sense of community and sense of lifestyle is second to none,” Cr Bellingham said.

“A surprising number of visitors said to me in the past 10 days how much they enjoyed interacting with our residents. We should factor in the possibility of some moving to the area.

“Visitors are always welcome from a tourism point of view.”

Any 150 year celebration wouldn’t feel right without Mick Bradford and his Clydesdale horses taking part and the three horses in his team appeared to be enjoying doing laps yesterday as much as many young drivers during the past 50 years.