AFTER a rocky 12 months, organisers of the Lilac Festival are back to show they’ve still got it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 63rd annual Festival will go ahead this weekend, albeit in a condensed form.
There will be no street parade, no fireworks display and no Lilac Queen ceremony. With just six weeks’ notice there just wasn’t time, committee members Heather Landow and Yvonne Neale told the Post.
Nonetheless there is a program brimming with events organised for the long weekend.
“We’ve really had to get out and push it. Because of the stuff that happened with Council some were quite hesitant but it has all worked out. The community interest is definitely still there,” Mrs Landow said.
“It’s marvellous that we got Belmore Park again. If it weren’t for (council general manager) Warwick Bennett we wouldn’t have had the park. Next year we will be back to our full glory,” Ms Neale added.
While the judging of civic business displays will be done this afternoon, the bulk of the festival events will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
The Belmore Park markets will feature for two days from 8am Saturday and 9am Sunday.
A children’s treasure hunt on Saturday from 10am ‘til 12pm will keep the kids entertained while mums, dads and grandparents can browse the markets, blacksmith showcase or enjoy the music in the park.
The bonsai display has changed locations this year and will now be at the McDermott Centre from 10am ‘til 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival’s official opening will take place at 1:30pm on Saturday – with the announcement of Lilac Baby, Citizen of the Year, Achiever of the Year and the Garden Competition winners.
Following the ceremony a special mystery guest will be on site for the children to enjoy.
That night, from 7:30pm in St Saviours Hall a traditional bush dance will be held. Admission is $5 per person, children under 15 years free.
On Sunday, the biggest Lilac Festival collectables and antiques fair to date will take place alongside the markets from 10am.
The Lilac Festival Champion small dry dog food muncher and large dog food muncher will take place from 2:30pm on Sunday.
As always, the Joyland Carnival will be running from Friday through til Sunday afternoon from 10am each day.