Chairwoman Sue Barford said the event had increased attendees dramatically this year. 

“We had far more events,” she said. 

“Every event was filled. 

“One of the really exciting parts was the Waterways Museum at the showground. 

“We had over 1000 people through there alone.”

The Beastly wearable-art fashion parade was also a hit. 

“The fibre textile group made several costumes,” Ms Barford said. 

“All the costumes were fantastic. 

“There were 142 people there.”

Ms Barford said patrons came from afar to see the events. 

“It was extraordinary,” she said. 

“We want to make the Eurobodalla known as a place for the arts in Australia. 

“There are lots of retired people in the area with terrific art skills. 

“We want to tap into those skills and make this area a hot spot for the arts because we do it incredibly well.”

Ms Barford said the event was a renewal for the local area. 

“We are best at art and culture,” she said. 

“A lot of people don’t know that there is an enormous amount of community participation in the festival.”

The Umbarra Cultural Centre, North of Bermagui, was also opened for the first time in years for the festival. 

A walking tour on the Bingi Bingi Budjarn Walking Track by Walbanga elder Vicki Parsley was also well attended. 

“A lot of people raved about that,” Ms Barford said. 

“There were so many great events on.”

The committee is already in the planning stages for next year’s River of Art. 

“I won’t give too much away because it’s a surprise,” Ms Barford said.