Thousands expected at Expo

The Lions Club of Drouin will bring the Gippsland Garden and Home Expo to Lardner Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9 from 9am until 4pm each day.

It is now an established major event that brings thousands of visitors into our district. With October also being the Gardivalia month there is a lot for locals and visitors to see and do.

The visitors to the Expo are known to travel great distances to attend. There are many buses coming from outside the area bringing garden, and social groups to the huge Expo. Many of the exhibitors also travel great distances with many coming from interstate.

Lions Club of Drouin president Nick Drodge said members have again put many months of hard work to bring this event for the 16th year.

“Each year up to 6000 people have attended the Expo and the club has raised around $30,000 on each occasion putting $450.000 back into the community through the years.” he said.

Other clubs and school groups do the catering at the event with their funds raised also going back to the community or schools. Some of Drouin Lions funds from last year’s event went to schools and kindergartens in the district, Neerim Hospital and groups and families in need around the community. The garden section of the Expo has been running since the Expo started with the Home and Lifestyle Pavilion being added and now in its 10th year.

The garden section of the Expo is now well established with more than 45 nurseries making up a phenomenal range of plant varieties, from the rare and unusual to large trees to tiny orchids. One of the special features each year is the beautiful comprehensive display of orchids by the West Gippsland Orchid Club.

Along with the array of flowers, shrubs and trees, you can also see a huge range of garden features such as statues, water features, pots, garden furniture, fences, water tanks, landscaping, shade and hot house, weather screens, tools, safety wear, chemicals, weed and pest information, permaculture and more.

The home and lifestyle pavillion has a great variety of businesses and services and products on display. The services include advice from the Drouin and District Community Bank Branch on financial matters.

You can fit out your home with the many products on show some being doors, blinds, sheds, hot tubs, furniture for inside and out, vacuum cleaners, glasswear, cleaning products and lots more.

There are a few sites left in the home pavilion, and if you would like a site you can contact Maureen Versteden from Drouin Lions 5625 4589.

Thanks to the sponsorship by the Drouin and District Community Bank, this year`s gardening expert with demonstrations and talks through the day is Visili Kanidiadis from Vasili`s Garden to Kitchen television show, and radio spot on 3AW.

Vasili has more than 20 years’ experience in the gardening industry. His passion started as a young boy helping his folks around their home vege patch every day after school. He not only did gardening the natural way but it became a part of his everyday lifestyle, and he says eating healthy fresh produce is just as important.

Other experts are presenting working demonstrations on both days on the main stage as well.

There will be a scarecrow competition with first, second and third place cash prizes. Anyone can enter the scarecrow competition, whether you are a school, group or individual. Just let Drouin Lions know you wish to enter and have your scarecrow delivered to Lardner Park on Friday October 7.

Lively entertainment and lots of children’s activities, many of them free, have been planned. If you find you are buying too many plants you can leave them with Drouin Secondary College Leo`s and they will deliver them to your car for you. EFTPOS will also be available on the Lions Club stand in the Baw Baw Pavilion. Lions Club of Drouin thank their sponsors. Look for the huge trailer raffle around the district promoting the Expo, which will be drawn on Sunday October 9 at 2.30pm, the prizes being the trailer and all the items including a lawnmower. Second prize is a weekend for four at The Moorings in Metung.

Mark the dates on your calendar now for a weekend of fun. Entry cost $10 for an adult with children under 16 free.

For more information email gardenexpo@drouinlions.org.au or phone Maureen from Drouin Lions on 5625 4589.