history of the creature.

The searing hot weather failed to deter people from attending the Koolunga Bunyip Festival where the bunyip was spotted handing out

balloons to children after ‘emerging’ from the creek.

The balloons were donated by Danny and Polly Freeman, of Freemandale Alpacas, while the helium for the balloons came from Koolunga Garage Farm Supplies.

The Koolunga Hotel provided prizes for the lucky children who got the chance to play old-fashioned games such as the egg and spoon race.

There were a few mishaps as the boiled eggs were transferred from egg carton to egg carton with no hands allowed to be used.

Stalls selling handmade crafts,

knick-knacks and painted bunyips were popular with festival-goers while the community barbecue sizzled away.

Country music filled the air and Port Pirie councillor Debbie Devlin was spotted creating balloon swords,

poodles and flowers for the kids and adults alike.

Lynda Barnes helped to organise the event and was kept busy all day helping the kids with their balloons and overseeing the games.

The bunyip, Alex Nally, said it was a great day and he “loved” dressing up in the costume and playing the important role.

“It’s lot of fun and I get to run around,” he said.