The 2019 Tropical Fruits Festival promises to the biggest and best yet with the Lismore Showgrounds camping area sold out as well as the Three Party Pass.

As festival goers begin arriving in Lismore today, the reputation of the annual event is growing each and every year. Susie St John, Tropical Fruits Site Consultant said "it looks as though we will totally sell out this year". A sell out means crowds of 3,500 people will be enjoying the four day New Years Eve festival.

What does this mean in terms of dollars being spent in our town? Kelly Freeman Production Assistant said "I've heard through various sources that about $10 million is spent on accomodation, car hire, food, drinks and other items".

The 2019 Tropical Fruits event calendar kicks off this Sunday December 29 with the popular Street Parade. Starting at Winsome House at 4:30pm the parade will wind its way over the Woodlark Street bridge and head up Molesworth Street to the Lismore City Hall at 5pm where an evening soiree will be held to launch the New Year Festival. Kelly is asking for residents to come and view the parade and even participate if the wish.

"Last year we had over 1,500 in the parade, it is a real spectacle" Kelly said.

The New Years Eve Party will be held at the Lismore Showgrounds as usual but this year the huge fireworks display has been replaced by Cold Pyrotechnics. The change was made because of the impact that this years bushfires have had on our region after considering feedback from our community. The new display will still provide a spectacle leading into the New Years countdown.

There is the January 1 Pool Party at the Lismore Memorial Baths from 10am which is very nearly a sell out too.

The Recovery Party is at 8pm on January 1st with Karaoke, a Drag Show and Last Gurl Standing for a bit more fun.

There is also an Art Exhibition with some amazing pieces of art to view.

Tropical Fruits is another historic local event that contributes to our community and as I mentioned at the start of this story, this years New Years Festival will be the biggest party in Lismore yet.