Get into the swing as Easter carnival returns

THE Blackwood Woodchop and Easter Carnival will be back in its one-hundred and twenty-first year.

The event is the second oldest festival in Australia and was recently awarded Moorabool Shire’s community event of 2023.

“Visitors will have a full day of varied experiences with everything from the traditional woodchop through to gumboot throwing,” said president of Blackwood Progress Association, Brendan Hehir.

“The whole family is encouraged to get involved in the sporting activities.”

Axmen and women travel from across the country for the woodchop competition and a street parade is a fan favourite including a brass band and floats which make their way through the town centre.

“The woodchop is the main draw for the day. It’s a very big competition with people climbing up the trees,” Mr Hehir said.

“We’ve got three big trunks in the ground that they climb and cut notches into to work their way up to the top and then cut the top off.

“It’s really exciting to watch.”

The event is hosted by the Blackwood Progress Association and funds raised go towards the blackwood community.

There’s also tug-o-war, gumboot throwing, a pet show and other events at the recreation reserve while children’s activities include a treasure hunt, novelty games, face painting and more.

To honour the towns goldmining history there is also the opportunity to try gold panning.

“The involvement of the community and everyone who turns up has kept the event going for so many years and keeps people coming back,” Mr Hehir said.

“It’s volunteer based but we do get a lot of sponsorship from local business and the Moorabool shire sponsors us regularly.

“It’s a very good value afternoon.”

The event will be held easter Saturday, 8 April. Entry is $15 and those 15 and under are free.