Winter fest warming Borough spirit

EAGLEHAWK’s newest festival is seeking to keep the community spirit shining this winter.

Burra Emporium owner Lorinda Jane, who is organising the market stalls for local retailers and creatives, said it’s great to see a major event coming to the Borough, especially after COVID-19 restrictions have impacted the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival.

“Normally with the Dahlia and Arts Festival, it brings a lot of people to the area, but we haven’t had that for the last couple of years,” she said.

“Eaglehawk has so many facilities, everything is here, and we need to bring other people into the area to have a look at what we’ve got, which really benefits every business in the area and the community as well.”

The Eaglehawk Winter Festival will be held on Saturday, 9 July from 12.30pm until 8pm, and includes live music in Canterbury Parks with local artists Sherri Parry and Chris DeAraugo, a skate competition at McKern Skate Parks, food trucks, roving performers, and a range of market stalls.

Retailers along High Street will also be hosting activities throughout the day.

Funding for the one-off event comes from a State Government outdoor activation grant, however Ms Jane is hopeful it will become an annual festival.

“We’re going to have a few teething problems but we’re looking at doing this every year,” she said.

“Every year it will grow and become better and better we want everyone to come and support the first one and highlight this will be an annual thing.”

Manager of economic development with the City of Greater Bendigo, Ben Devanny, said it’s great to see business communities coming together especially in outer suburbs of the municipality.

“It’s great for all parts of Bendigo,” he said. “To get things out to other suburbs and Eaglehawk, it’s a good example of what can be done here when you get, not just one business, but a lot of groups working together.

“Hopefully it’s a great success and a nice springboard for things in the future.”