Snowfest attracts thousands - and a proposal...

A combination of perfect weather, dedicated volunteers, and community support resulted in “overwhelming” attendance at this year’s Snowfest Gippsland.

Thousands donned their winter woollies and gathered in the streets of Warragul to play in the snow and enjoy the number of activities and attractions on offer.

According to Warragul Business Group Snowfest committee member Felicity Wilson, it was the “biggest” Snowfest event ever held.

Ms Wilson estimated 15,000 people attended and 4000 activity wristbands were sold.

One Warragul couple had a particularly special night, with Ezra Slade popping the question to TerryLene Norris amongst the festivities.

The couple has been together for two years, have a big family and expecting a child together on September 8.

Mr Slade said he thought the snow falling from the machines, and snow surrounding them during the proposal would make a nice backdrop for the big question. He also wanted the proposal to be romantic for TerryLene.

Both Mr Slades and Ms Norris’ children were there during the proposal.

“The whole family is over the moon,” Mr Slade said.

One of the most successful events of the evening was the dunk tank, which saw well-known locals dunked in a vat of ice to raise money for Baw Baw Food Relief.

The funds are yet to be counted. However, team support officer at Baw Baw Food Relief Jan Morton said the organisation was overwhelmed by the support they received and blown away by the continual generosity.

She said the money will go towards feeding families and individuals in need, and congratulated the Snowfest organisers on running the night with great planning and enthusiasm.

Ms Wilson said the fundraising also helped to raise awareness for the important community organisation.

Other activities on offer included snow play areas, an extreme bike display, laser tag, mountain boarders lessons, a giant slide, face painters, a jumping castle and a rock climbing wall.

The West Gippsland Arts Centre joined in on the fun, offering a variety of activities and Elsa wandered the streets, greeting fans of the Frozen franchise.

For those who were able to purchase a wristband, a Mt Baw Baw Getaway was on offer. The winner was announced on Facebook over the weekend as Adeline Tink. Adeline won two nights at Mt Baw Baw including a family dinner pass for Village Central Restaurant, a family lift pass and a toboggan pass.

Ms Wilson said the community support was amazing, with more than 100 people outside the business group helping out. Amongst the organisations that lent a helping hand were local football clubs, Warragul Rotary Club, the Lions Club, CFA, SES and Victoria Police.

Ms Wilson said the number of people in attendance was overwhelming, but amazing.

“We were victims of our own success,” she said. “We were so thankful that people came and enjoyed themselves.”

According to Snowfest committee member Jenny Muir of the 120 volunteers that help out with Snowfest, 80 per cent were under the age of 30.

The organising committee received lots of positive feedback from local shops and stall holders, according to Ms Wilson.

“Lots of people did big sales... quite a few food businesses did really well.”

“I think people are out and about and want to experience things again,” she said. Ms Wilson said there are “always learnings to take away” from the running of such an event.

“We are going to have a meeting next week and we will sit down and take all the feedback on board and start planning for next year,” she said.