Spud celebration returns

Dean Hall and Mechanics’ Institute’s Big Spud Dinner is returning tomorrow, Friday 30 May, to raise funds for the community.

The event celebrates the humble potato with judging of the best spud dish, a biggest spud competition and more than $5,000 of raffle prizes on offer.

Judging will be carried out by former Peter Ford Catering chef, Peter Ford, food writer Richard Cornish and IGA Creswick’s Steve Sellers.

Raffle tickets will be available to purchase at the event for $5 each five for $20.

“It is a lovely way for people to connect with locals, their family and their friends,” committee member Kristy Tippett said.

“Everyone has been harvesting their potatoes locally as well, so it’s been a really busy period and it’s a great way for everyone to come back together.”

All proceeds from the evening will support hall maintenance and the committee is hoping to raise funds to repaint it.

“We rent the hall out for weddings and events, so we need the hall to be attractive to people who want to rent it,” Ms Tippett said. “It hasn’t been done for a really long time.”

The hall also provides an important meeting point for the community.

“The hall is a beautiful community hub that has been there for years and years,” Ms Tippett said. “People have lots of nostalgic connections to it locally as well because it’s been used for weddings and celebrations and birthday parties.

“It’s part of our local history that’s irreplaceable.”

The event will begin at 5.30pm with dinner to be served at 6.30pm.

Tickets cost $30 for one person and $70 for a family. To purchase a ticket, visit bit.ly/4k4W25W.