Final preparations are underway for the St Leonards Festival to be held this coming Saturday (October 30th).
Organiser Steve Walsh said the Festival, now in its fourth year, has become a focal event for the entire community.
“A vast array of entertainments and activities will ensure the 2010 Festival will appeal to people of all ages and of all interests”.
“We believe a record crowd of more than 3-thousand people will turn out for the party”, he said.
Five live bands will perform throughout the day as will a number of solo artists and buskers.
The music will be interspersed by various displays of ethnic dancing.
The central stage area will be surrounded by food stalls and stands displaying local produce.
Community groups and public service organisations will also be strongly represented by a series of displays, demonstrations and exhibits.
One of the many highlights will be a display of vintage and classic cars.
Taking centre stage will be a superbly restored 1923 Buick Roadster, the pride and joy of St Leonard’s enthusiast Roy Cook who spent 15 years rebuilding the vehicle.
Other participating groups include the Hillman Car Club, the Western District Historic Vehicle Club and the Morris Minor Club.
Mr. Walsh said children have again been well catered for.
“We have face painting for the younger set and a baby animal farm that is sure to delight all members of the family”.
Two photographic exhibitions will also be staged as part of the Festival.
The first will reflect the contemporary environment as seen through the lens of local photographers.
The second is a collection of rare historic photographs depicting the original Anzacs from St Leonards who enlisted in the Great War.
An historic walk around the township has been set out for those with a keen interest in local history.
Key sites will be marked with large information boards containing details of St. Leonards past with a walking tour map available on the day.
The walk will take about 40 minutes to complete.
The Bellarine Art Show will again be staged in conjunction with the St Leonards Festival.
The Show will run over three days over three days of the Melbourne Cup weekend at the St Leonards Yacht Club.
A fleet of free shuttle buses will connect the Festival site and the nearby towns of Portarlington and Indented Head with the Art Show venue all day Saturday.
A major fishing tournament is also being held as part of the festivities.
A thousand dollars in prizes and trophies will be shared between winners of the various divisions.
“For many families this will be a major highlight of the weekend’s activities as it focuses on the towns fishing village heritage”, Mr. Walsh said.
Links
- The St Leonards Festival website: http://stleonardscommunityfestival.com.au/
