Charlegrark draws in country fans
Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon organisers believe the event is fast becoming renowned as one of the best country music festivals in Australia.
Marathon president John Naylor said the event, which celebrated its 28th year at the weekend, was growing into something special.
He said a crowd of between 1000 and 1500 people attended the festival on the foreshore of Lake Charlegrark near Minimay in the western part of the Wimmera.
“There were between 300 and 400 caravans,” he said.
“We were hoping for a good average crowd, and what we got exceeded my expectations.
“We had a good crowd, everyone was relaxed and enjoyed themselves. It was a fantastic weekend.”
Mr Naylor said Adam Harvey was a crowd favourite at this year’s marathon, while several other acts including Brothers 3 were well received.
“It was a good build-up during the weekend and to finish it off with Adam Harvey and the Wolfe Brothers at the end was fantastic,” he said.
Mr Naylor said feedback from the festival had been overwhelmingly positive from both patrons and artists.
“I think we’re heading towards being a big event on the country music calendar,” he said.
“The comments we get, especially from artists, are pumping us up and saying that we’re one of the best country music festivals in Australia.
“That gives us a bit of a pat on the back.
“I think they love the friendly atmosphere and the real country feel.
“The setting of course, being right on the Lake Charlegrark foreshore, is magnificent.
“Everyone I spoke to said they were coming back next year and we didn’t get any criticism at all.”
Mr Naylor thanked the event’s sponsors as well as the organising committee and volunteers for helping make the weekend a success.