In the rural town of Narromine, located 430 kilometers northwest of Sydney, an unusual celebration draws crowds each year as fans don sequins, wigs, and cowboy hats to pay tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton. For one weekend, the agricultural community sheds its quiet demeanor to transform into “Dollymine,” hosting Australia’s largest, and only, Dolly Parton festival.
The event, now in its fifth year, took on added significance this year following Parton’s passing in August. Festival organizers reported selling a record 1,600 tickets, nearly half of Narromine’s population, underscoring the deep affection for the singer across the region. Many attendees wore T-shirts bearing messages such as “We will always love you, Dolly” and “forever and always” in tribute to the late artist.
Local resident and festival committee volunteer Jen Ballhausen said the event began as a community initiative to boost spirits after the drought that gripped the area from 2017 to 2019, compounded by delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a fun group of people, mostly women, that had a common goal to provide something for the community, to support our community,” Ballhausen said. The choice to honor Parton was suggested by a superfan among the volunteers, seen as a fitting female icon to rally around.
Throughout the day, Narromine’s main street is infused with pink hues, rhinestones, and butterflies, with images of Parton adorning windows and merchandise. The festival schedule includes line dancing, performances by local schoolchildren, and appearances by drag performers, exemplifying an atmosphere of inclusiveness and celebration. Nikolaas Kostraby, known professionally as Dolly Delicious, has been attending the festival for three years and now serves on the organizing committee and as a judge. Initially apprehensive about performing in drag at a regional event, Kostraby noted the warm reception and lack of judgment from the community.
As temperatures rise, the festivities culminate at the town’s sports oval, where attendees settle in with camping chairs and wigs for live music and a best-dressed competition. The contest features categories for children, a tribute to Parton’s longtime collaborator Kenny Rogers, and the main best-dressed Dolly segment. Contestants range from newcomers to veterans, including Colin Marshall, who traveled from Brisbane with a tour group and was crowned this year’s winner. Marshall described the experience as “good, great,” acknowledging the effort involved in embodying Parton’s persona.
Emceed by local drag queen Timberlina, who arrived in a vintage car and vibrant attire, the event emphasizes a spirit of camaraderie and warmth reflective of Parton’s music. For one weekend, this small Australian town embraces its moment in the spotlight as a hub of fandom and community pride.