Inglewood set to come alive

Published on 16 November 2015

There’s nothing quite like a community festival to bring people together and the Lions Inglewood Alive Festival is set to do just that on Saturday 5 December.

Loddon Shire Council Mayor Gavan Holt said the annual event, now in its fourth year, was poised to draw day trippers to enjoy Inglewood’s old style charm and community spirit.

“Apart from being a fun family day out, the festival is a wonderful example of how people can band together to turn a negative into a positive, with the event being a legacy of the recovery project designed to bring people back into town after the devastating floods which impacted the Shire in January 2011,” Cr Holt said.

“Many will recall caravan parks being wiped out and roads made inaccessible, having dire consequences for individuals and businesses alike.”

“While government funding for the festival was initially provided to help offset losses, the community had embraced the event, which is now made possible through the financial and practical support of our generous, tight knit community,” he said.

Cr Holt said this year there was a real focus on drawing families to the event, with free activities such as face painting and a jumping castle set to keep the kids happy.

“Brooke Street will be closed off to traffic and lined with some 40 market stalls surrounded by a hive of festive fun including classic vehicle and engine displays, rock ‘n’ roll dancing and live music.”

Cr Holt said a festival highlight this year would be The Wimera Axemen’s Victorian Championship Wood Chop.

“In previous years we’ve had wood chop demonstrations and championships but this is the first time a state title will be contested at Inglewood Alive, so that really takes it up a notch,” he said.

“Inglewood born and bred champion axemen John and David Coffey are among the field of 30 odd competitors which include a sprinkling of state and world champions among the ranks.”

“On a lighter note, it’s interesting to add that the youngest registered participant is just 10 years of age, while the oldest competitors are expected to be well into their 60’s.”

Cr Holt said while the festival’s focal point was Brooke Street, a range of other festivities would take place throughout the day.

“The Eucy Museum will run tours and students from Wedderburn P-12 will showcase a selection of 80’s songs featured in their school production during a performance at The Royal Hotel,” he said.