Winter festival takes shape

A lantern parade held in Belgrave annually inspired a group of locals to organise a similar event for Warragul.

A winter festival and lantern parade will be held at Warragul’s Eastern Park on Saturday, June 25 from 4.40pm, with the lantern parade to begin at 6pm and a bonfire and music to conclude the event.

Community co-ordinator Donna Hallam said a group of locals had got together with an idea to hold a winter festival in Warragul, similar to the lantern parade held in Belgrave annually.

“Last year there was much talk and interest in the idea of a lantern parade but no funds for such an event, but this lead to a small group of people very dedicated to seeing Warragul come alive during the cold quiet months of winter,” she said.

“We wanted to put on a family friendly event that would get people in Warragul and the surrounds out and about during the cold weather.

“What better way than to hold an event that celebrates the change from the shortest darker days to the days growing longer and lighter.

“We wanted to see families, children and locals come together with lanterns for a celebration, and something that would excite and inspire and bring together people not only on the night but in the lead up to the event, making lanterns at schools, playgroups, organisations and in the community.”

The group applied for and received a $3000 community grant from Baw Baw Shire to help with costs.

There will be free children’s activities, face painting and lantern decorating, while the community garden will be lit up and offering activities. There will be food on offer and plenty of shelter in case of wet weather, which will not deter the Winterfest from going ahead.

Community lantern making workshops were held at the farmer’s market and Warragul Community House in the lead up to the event, with schools, playgroups and other community organisations also taking part.

Warragul Community Pre-School, Warragul Guides and Brownies, Bona Vista Primary, St Andrew’s kindergarten and Warragul Uniting Church playgroup were just some of the organisations involved.

Ms Hallam said she hoped locals would embrace the concept with a view to making it an annual event in Warragul.