Race to save community expo

THE Humans in Geelong team is standing by its motto of “we live in hope” after the Geelong Racing Club rescued the 2021 community expo, set to feature more than 80 local entertainers and activities.

The free and family-friendly, COVIDSafe community spectacular has been rescheduled, changed venues and been on the brink of an online-only event.

However the highly-anticipated, much-needed 2021 Community Expo is now set to go ahead at the Geelong Racecourse on December 5 for five hours of fun and live performances.

While Geelong has been in and out of lockdowns for the past few months, HuG founder Jacqui Bennett has spent countless hours planning what will be one of the biggest free, community events the city will see this year.

Initial dates were set, then pushed back with restrictions, and an online expo was created to keep the community connected, which was a great success earlier this month.

Plans remained in place for a huge face-to-face event at Deakin’s Waterfront campus when restrictions eased, however with the university remaining closed for the rest of the year, the venue was no longer available.

Undeterred by having more than 80 community groups and individuals booked but nowhere to host a huge COVIDSafe event, Jacqui started making calls and the Geelong community responded.

Jacqui said she was incredibly grateful to the Geelong Racing Club for “coming to our rescue and being so welcoming”.

GRC marketing and sponsorship manager Jackie Price said the club was looking forward to hosting the expo and it was a great opportunity for the club to remind people “that we are here”, after the disappointment of a crowd-free Geelong Cup.

Jacqui said the Geelong Racecourse was a perfect venue with indoor and outdoor facilities and the HuG volunteers were excited – and living in hope – that the event will happen.

“There are three large rooms upstairs for speakers, with beautiful views of the track; there is an undercover open space with large open doors either end for the exhibitors and a separate downstairs space for our exhibiting artists,” Jacqui said.

“The stage will be set up undercover to deliver non-stop music and dancing, and there will be food and drink trucks, jumping castle, animal farm and other children’s activities.”

The Mik Maks, Sweethearts, Wild Moves Drumming, With One Voice Choir and La Vida Salsa are among the many performers looking forward to presenting live entertainment.

There are 12 guest speakers booked including The Streets Barber, Nasir Sobhani, The Chook Whisperer, OneCare Geelong and bird enthusiast Craig Morley.

Breatheblueocean, Vicki Lee Clissold and Jo Mitchell will among more than 10 local artists featured in the Mounting Yard bar, and exhibitors range from The Piano Bar to the Belmont Toy Library.

“There will be something for everyone and everyone is welcome.”

More information about the Humans in Geelong 2021 Community Expo is on the HuG website.