New look for Drouin’s Ficifolia Festival

Drouin’s Ficifolia Festival will have a fresh new look following feedback from past participants.

Planning for the event is already underway, with the Festival committee determined to bring a bigger and better event.

Drouin Ficifolia Festival committee president Annie McCabe said the committee commenced a review of the event following the 2018 festival, looking at how it could become even more inclusive for everyone in the local community.

“The theme of the 2019 event is being announced early – all about music,” she said.

“This creates tremendous opportunities for the event to include numerous community groups and some great fun and entertainment all within the local community.”

Among the biggest changes is the main street parade returning to an afternoon time slot.

A bigger market will flow throughout the day, with Battle of the Bands, Drouin’s Got Talent and busking also occurring in Drouin’s Civic Park throughout the day.

While the movie night has been abolished, there will be evening entertainment in the park for families and all age groups including food vendors.

The spectacular fireworks display will still go ahead, while regular events in the Ficifolia Art Show and Drouin golf day will remain on the calendar.

A health and wellness fair and winery tours and tastings are also being planned.

The 2019 festival will open on Sunday, February 10 and conclude with the parade and celebrations on Saturday, February 16.

“There are many other community groups involved across the week of the Ficifolia Festival and the committee encourages everyone wishing to be involved, whether it be with your own community group event, sponsorship, or participation, to get in contact,” Ms McCabe said.

More details relating to the timing of the activities and details will be communicated closer to the event via the Warragul Gazette and the Drouin Ficifolia Committee facebook page.

For more information, contact Festival committee president Annie McCabe at anniemccabe@live.com.au or message the Ficifolia Festival Facebook page.

Longwarry Lions Club member Debbie Brown inducts new Drouin Lions Club member Wendy Thompson, watched by sponsor Barbara Mitchell.