History

Blackbutt Avocado Festival started as Bloomin Beautiful Blackbutt in 2010, but became Blackbutt Avocado Festival in 2016 when Barry Trousdell, the owner of Mt Binga Orchards; and Jeff Connor met for a cold one in the Hotel Radnor. It was this beer that decided that the town should honour the region’s avocado industry; which has become the signature commodity of the area, along with the signature festival, the Blackbutt Avocado Festival. Jeff Connor and Barry Trousdell have continued to support the Blackbutt Avocado festival since the beginning with generous financial and time contributions.

To add to the tradition Barry, came up with a concept to kick start the festival with the AVO-ROLL. where contestants roll a round “Reed” avocado towards a pin. The winner gets $1000 cash and the glory of being the best avo roller in town. The “Avo Roll” has since become the highlight of the festival, alongside many other Avo-Games that are sponsored by Mt Binga Orchards.

Since that humble beginning in the Hotel Radnor, the festival takes place every second Saturday in September and draws thousands of visitors to enjoy the avocado themed fun.

Photo: Jeff Connor, Barry Trousdell and Gavin Jones, courtesy of southburnett.com.au