Fest buds ahead of spring bloom

THE countdown to SpringFest Ballarat’s 2023 market day is officially on with Rotary Club of Ballarat members holding a campaign launch for the community fundraiser yesterday.

Set for Sunday 26 November, the day of stalls and sunshine is to be staged along the Wendouree Parade roadway in the gardens precinct, between Carlton Street and St Aidans Drive.

An initiative of the Rotary Club of Ballarat and backed by telecommunications company Optus, funds raised at SpringFest will be in part donated to community groups in the city, and used on local and international Rotary projects.

“We’re looking forward to a very successful SpringFest this year, in a new layout and precinct,” said SpringFest director Rob Glass.

“We’re certainly fully booked and hopeful we can add quite a bit of entertainment throughout the precinct.

“There’ll be lots of new and different elements, including the addition of new community partners, and new major sponsors Lucas Lifestyle Estate, St Patrick’s College, Growers Services Ballarat, and Urban Plumbing.

“We’re moving towards what is set to be a very strong event, and in case of any logistical problems we foresee, we’ve come up with solutions that would work well for both the stallholders, and us.”

This year, there will be six different zones as part of the SpringFest market day.

They include a children’s entertainment and activity area, sports, and frontline services zones, the Show N Glow vintage car display, the spring garden, and an Indigenous and multicultural area for performances, art, and cuisine.

A statement from the Rotary Club of Ballarat’s SpringFest committee said their aim is to deliver a market day bigger than ever before.

“As we look forward to the 26th of November, SpringFest Ballarat promises a day where the entire community can come together to celebrate the arrival of spring, embrace diversity, and give back to the very community that makes Ballarat a cherished place to call home,” the statement said.

“Prepare to be amazed by the incredible array of over 450 market stalls that will be showcasing their wares. From handcrafted treasures to unique gifts, artisanal foods, and so much more, you’re sure to find something special to take home.

“Don’t miss our two food precincts offering a mouthwatering selection of culinary delights that will satisfy every palate.”

Members of the committee are also seeking expressions of interest from buskers who would like to play music at points throughout the day.

Community members can support SpringFest Ballarat even if they don’t attend the market day.

An online raffle is set to launch next week, with plenty of prizes on offer, and a harness racing fundraiser will take place at the Ballarat Trotting Club on Thursday 26 October.

SpringFest’s 2023 community partners this year are Cafs Ballarat, Phoenix P-12 Community College, Miners Rest Primary School, and The Support People.