People from all over Tennessee and the southeastern United States attended the 2003 Australian Festival. The Festival has come a long way from its humble beginnings with weekend attendances of approximately 7,500 patrons.

The 2003 Australian Festival featured a variety of family activities, including Animals Down Under, Kids Down Under, Sports Down Under, Australian Exhibitors, Outback Steakhouse Food Court and the new Australian Pavilion &  Entertainment area.

Children (and adults alike) enjoyed visiting and petting Australian native animals provided by Kentucky Down Under, which included kangaroos, kookaburras, wallabies, cockatoo and a python. 

Kids Down Under featured a jumping castle, dunking booth, climbing wall, the Adventure Science Center Star Lab as well as other activities. Australian exhibitors showcased a wide range of Aussie goods and products that were popular throughout the festival. Sports Down Under featured sports for which Australia is known, including Cricket, Women's Rugby and Aussie Rules Football, which included a showcase Mid American Australian Football League match between the Kangaroos and the St. Louis Blues.

Festival entertainment at the Party Place Australian Pavilion included fabulous artists such as Kylie Harris (headliner), Simon Bruce, Chas Sandford, Marilyn Barclay Trio, Jim Fermino, and the lovely Pru Clearwater who also was emcee for the weekend.

The 2004 Australian Festival will be moving to an official three day event incorporating G'day Mates into the current Festival schedule. The 2004 Festival dates will be September 10-12.  More pictures of this year's event to follow.