Lantern parade celebrates winter
The Warragul Winterfest and Lantern Parade held last month was a huge success.
More than 1000 people turned out on the night, braving the cold to enjoy a celebration of winter in Warragul's Eastern Park.
Those who had been lucky enough to make lanterns at one of the many workshops bought those along to light up and put on parade. Lots of local families came along in the late afternoon to enjoy the many free kids activities and crafts including face painting and potting seeds.
The park and Community Garden were lit up with fairy lights and lanterns as was the football oval, all looking magical under a dark clear night.
The lantern parade saw hundreds with their lanterns following Queen Winter around the football oval to the percussive sounds of Roger Terrill and band, winding their way amidst the lanterns back to the bonfire and the lighting ceremony assisted by Warragul CFA.
When the first flames took off it was a dazzling show for everyone in attendance. Terrill Percussion sounded out some beats for the fire twirlers to perform to.
The night faded out with more music as a determined few stayed to watch the bonfire fade away under a starry clear night sky. The night couldn't of been possible without the hard work of the planning committee and a community development grant from Baw Baw Shire.
After the success of the first Winterfest and Lantern Parade it is hoped another similar event will be held next year.