Funding to help boost Begonia Parade

APPLICATIONS are now open for funding support to help community groups participate in next year’s Begonia Festival Parade.

As part of the financial backing, the top two entrants will each receive $2000 to develop their idea for the Labour Day tradition.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the support offers participants the opportunity to take the parade “up a notch.”

“We’re encouraging community groups and schools to continue to show their great support of the Ballarat Begonia Festival,” he said.

“There’s so many great things to see as part of it so hopefully these grants can take it to that next level.

“It’ll be schools, community groups, sports clubs and others that might actually be able to offer a new tribute to the Begonia parade.”

The successful applicants will be announced on Wednesday, 31 August.

The parade receives an average of 50 entrants with floats eligible for prizes in categories including best school, business, community group, as well as the mayor’s choice award.

Ballarat Arts Alive is a regular participant in the parade and member Bill Horrocks said it’s been a great way to showcase the group to the community.

“It shows the wares of the group. Ballarat Arts Alive has at least a couple hundred people in their books,” he said.

“It’s important they get represented in these situations, certainly the Begonia Festival’s very important.

“I’ve been here the last couple of times and it’s great to walk through the streets with so many people on the sidelines.”

The Begonia Festival attracts about 60,000 people to Ballarat each year, with an estimated 10,000 turning up to watch the parade.

Applications for the grant money close on Sunday, 28 August.