Dog show to join Queenscliff flower show

THE community will converge on Queenscliff’s St George’s Church next month for its second annual flower show.

A popular event prior to its discontinuation in the 1970s, the flower show returned to the township last year after a more than 50-year hiatus, much to the delight of locals and visitors.

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, October 5 between 9am and 2pm at the Old School Hall, located at the corner of Hobson and Learmonth streets.

Attendees will be able to wander artisan stalls filled with handmade items and potted plants, participate in raffles, enjoy a cuppa or two of Devonshire tea and grab a snack at the sausage sizzle.

Those with a green thumb are also encouraged to enter their best flowers and vegetables in the show before entries close at 6pm on October 4, with prizes across several categories, including those tailored toward children, set to be awarded.

From 12 noon, this year’s flower show will, for this first time, also be complemented by a light-hearted dog show, sponsored by Kerleys.

Organiser Donnie Grigau said the dog show was about having a bit of fun, bringing everyone together and spreading joy through the community.

“There’s a lot of dog ownership here in the borough and we all love our dogs,” he said.

“It’s definitely not a serious dog show; it’s just to make sure that everyone participates.”

The quirky awards up for grabs include Best Owner Look-a-Like, Best Fetcher and Most Handsome Boy, with tasselled prize ribbons to be awarded to the winning pooch in each category, along with two runners-up.

“Hopefully this becomes an annual event on the calendar for the region,” Mr Grigau said.

The funds raised from both the flower and dog show will be donated to St George’s restoration appeal.

Flower show organiser Di Rule said the church was an important and historical part of Queenscliff that houses much of the town’s history, and quite a lot of money was still required to help preserve and protect the landmark.

For more information on the flower show, or to submit an entry, head to queensclifflonsdaleanglican.org/st-georges-flower-show

Or to entry your four-legged friend in this year’s dog show, visit eventbrite.com.au/o/st-georges-dog-show-90584422173