Murtoa’s big event shines

Murtoa’s Big Weekend has continued to consolidate its position on the Wimmera calendar with big crowds attending events across three days.

Committee chairman David Grigg said Murtoa had been blessed with fantastic spring weather and patrons had travelled from across the region to attend.

He said a Friday A and P Society annual show was well attended and was also supported by the glorious weather.

“Almost 1000 people attended the show and gate takings were up by 25 percent on the previous year,” he said.

Organised by a new committee, the show featured new as well as traditional attractions.

On Friday evening, a Family Fun and Film Night attracted between 400 and 500 people to Lake Marma, where entertainment started with music by father-son duo Brett and Ben Schmidt.

Susan Findlay-tickner from Murtoa’s Big Weekend partner, Murra Warra Wind Farm, officially opened the festival as patrons settled to watch an outside screening of the family movie Babe before a fireworks display.

Crowds also gathered for Saturday’s Monster Street Market and RACV Show ’n’ Shine events with more than 60 market stalls and a range of children’s entertainment.

The reintroduction of an art exhibition and sale in Murtoa’s Mechanics Hall featured 250 works.

The festival also featured another successful addition to the weekend – esports at Murtoa College.

On Saturday afternoon, Singing in Murtoa Stick Shed was again popular.

A large crowd kick-started the spring horse-racing season with Murtoa Cup despite racing being cancelled with track concerns.

Off-track festivities continued with entertainment, fashions on the field and children’s entertainment.

Sunday activities included a Murtoa College Rainbow Colour Run around Lake Marma and an ecumenical service in the mechanics hall featuring guest speaker Glen Mills from Delivering Better Lives Foundation.

Historical town attractions such as the Water Tower Museum, Dunmunkle Sumpoilers and Murtoa Stick Shed all attracted visitors.