This episode is about the Alice Springs Beanie Festival which in 2021 is on 24th June. This is a pre-recorded episode from the 2018 festival, but this will give you a great sense of what the festival is like. Helen also outlines the upcoming events along the Outback Way in 2021 and excitingly, has an update about the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery launch in June. Helen interviews Jo Nixon about why Alice Springs is the Beanie capital of the world! Jo shares a bit about the background of the Beanie Fest and how she came to be involved. What began 22 years ago as a simple party to try to sell 100 beanies has turned into a weekend full of colour, warmth and joy, with 7000 beanies on display at the Araluen Arts Centre. There’s a beanie competition, live music and a range of textile workshops too. Find out more about the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, including the program, history and story of the festival, at www.beaniefest.org or follow along on Facebook @beaniefestival to get updates and tasters of beanies to come! You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.