Naturally Loddon Spring Festival activities 19-21 October
Published on 25 September 2018
Wet a line, smell the flowers, hop into history and take to the floor – the options for having fun in Loddon Shire for the October 19-21 weekend are colourful and varied.
Four lively events in three days form part of the 2018 “Naturally Loddon” Spring Festival, an annual celebration comprising 14 family-friendly outings.
This year’s Naturally Loddon program has also included the ever-popular Kooyoora Wildflower Show, nature walks, two town festivals, stand-up paddle-boarding on the Serpentine Creek and Boort’s annual metal sculpture competition.
Put your best foot forward at the up-and-coming Wedderburn Spring Dance, planned for Friday 19 October in the Mechanics Institute hall.
Wedderburn Community House co-ordinator Margaret Van Veen said this would be the fourth time for the popular event.
“It’s rock and roll and a touch of ballroom, with a big bass sound provided by a band from Bendigo, Slap Back Jack & the Magic 8 Balls,” Mrs Van Veen said.
“The Jailhouse Rockers from Bendigo take fortnightly dance classes leading up to it, while on the alternative weeks we have (local resident) Dede Williams tutoring in rock and roll.
“We usually get 80 to 100 people coming on the night and it’s designed for all ages, with a true-blue Aussie country supper supplied.”
The dance runs from 8pm to midnight and tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for Under 16s (BYO drinks).
Bookings for tickets or a table can be made on (03) 5494 3489 or you can buy tickets at the door.
The historic gold rush town of Tarnagulla will be bustling over the weekend of 20-21 October with garage sales, live music, historical displays, vintage vehicles and more at Tarnagulla Revisited.
Organiser Mary-Ann Scull said the program would offer plenty of interest.
“On the Saturday, we’ll have vintage cars brought along by the Inglewood Car Club, classic bikes from the Bendigo Historic Motorcycle Club at Llanelly and tractors and engines from both Wedderburn and Dunolly,” she said.
“There will also be music from jazz and jug bands, the Avoca Ukulele Group and a blues/seventies band, The Buzzards, along with a car boot sale, health checks, sausage sizzle, food stalls, hole-in-one competition and historical memorabilia.
“On Sunday, there’s a concert at the Victoria Theatre at 2pm honouring the music of Dame Nellie Melba, put on by performers brought together by Rachel Buckley, from Dunolly.
“Entry will cost $25, but people will also see a display of Melba memorabilia, including some very rare items. Bookings can be made on 0410 890 388.”
Saturday’s program runs from 9am to 5pm, while Sunday has the concert plus ongoing garage sales. For more details, phone (03) 5438 7304.
Boort Angling Club’s Family Carp Eradication Weekend at Little Lake Boort invites anglers of all ages to try their luck with rod and reel either on-water or off the bank.
Club president Rod Stringer said competition categories this year would include the most fish, longest, shortest, biggest and smallest fish.
“Thanks to our 30 generous sponsors, included in the prizes we are offering is a main prize of $750 worth of goods, plus other packages to the value of $500 and $250, and every junior who enters wins a prize,” Mr Stringer said.
Entry costs $50 for a family, $25 per adult and under 16s are free. Those fees include breakfast both days, dinner Saturday evening and entry into the draw for the major prize. Camping is available around the lake.
The competition will run from 8.30am to 5.30pm on the Saturday and 8.30am to 11.30am on Sunday. For more details, ring Rod on 0428 513 888.
Wedderburn Open Gardens, planned for Sunday 21 October, will have a whole new look this year, with all properties listed involved for the first time.
Wedderburn Community House co-ordinator Margaret Van Veen said the event had been running for about four years.
“Patrons pay their registration and collect a map from the Community House, then are free to tour nine local gardens, both private and public,” she said.
“This year, they’re all new gardens, ranging from small, compact dry-weather gardens in town to a large-scale permaculture holding combined with an open house.
“Cost for the day is $15, which provides access to all the gardens, plus entry and a Devonshire tea at the Coach House Gallery and Museum.”
The day runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm. For more details, contact (03) 5494 3489.
For more details on the Spring Festival, phone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au