Preparations in place for Yfest

Organisers behind Warracknabeal district’s huge four-day Yfest Easter weekend celebration have urged people to make the most of a big weekend of activities and attractions across Yarriambiack Shire.

Event secretary Jean Wise said preparations had long been underway as the community gathered for the 20th anniversary of the event.

“Last year saw the community participate with more floats not only for an Easter street parade, but also for our 150th anniversary parade,” she said.

“The committee has been encouraging organisations, groups, schools and individuals to participate again with floats, dress-ups, vintage vehicles, tractors, bikes and scooters and anything else your imagination can summon.”

Mrs Wise said Yfest was loaded with activities across the Easter weekend, with attractions such as the Warracknabeal races featuring the Warracknabeal Cup, along with a fashions on the field competition that would include increased prize money. “So ladies and gents, get out those glad rags,” she said.

Mrs Wise said an annual Wheatlands Vintage Machinery Rally would again fire up on Easter Saturday with ‘Chamberlain’ the theme for this year’s rally.

“There will also be a vintage tractor pull, working exhibits, indoor and outdoor displays, and arts and craft stalls,” she said.

Mrs Wise said arts council representatives had organised a display of work from district artist Alison Parkinson and Ballarat’s Peter Cougle.

A grand opening of a festival art show at Yar- riambiack Shire Council offices on Friday night will help launch weekend events.

“We also have a four-day golf tournament hitting off on Friday, with a men’s and women’s versus par competition attracting many enthusiastic golfers from far and wide,” she said.

“This year will also see the inaugural Armed Bowlers Triples Tournament on the Sunday, open to all registered ‘armed’ bowlers, so if you are looking for a quiet afternoon soaking in the skills of these players, no doubt the players would love some cheering on in their competition.

“And of course the Easter festivities would not be complete without our annual busking competition on Easter Saturday in Warracknabeal’s Lions Fauna and Flora Park. Attracting participants from across Victoria, the relaxed atmosphere at the park, with catering provided by Rotary, Rotaract and Rural Northwest Health, gives everyone the opportunity to kick back and relax.”

Mrs Wise urged people to ‘call your friends and spread the word about our great weekend’.

“And don’t forget to put on your thinking caps to come up with floats for the parade and help us celebrate out 20th Yfest Easter Festival,” she said.

Warracknabeal’s population usually swells for the annual celebration, attracting between 3000 and 5000 people. The event has evolved into a major northern Wimmera Easter attraction.

Organisers have consistently promoted the Easter break as one of the best times of the year for people to experience what Warracknabeal district and the broader Yarriambiack Shire has to offer.

“This is a special time of the year when the town comes alive,” Mrs Wise said.