Big crowd expected at Children’s Fun Day

ORGANISERS of the Free Children’s Fun Day at Rippleside Park are tipping a big crowd will arrive tomorrow morning (Friday, January 26) for the 62nd running of the event.

Australia (Geelong) Committee president Colin Anderson said close to 2,000 people are expected at the carnival-type event, featuring a raft of rides, stalls, floats, and entertainment.

“This year’s event we’re expecting a massive turnout,” Mr Anderson said.

“The 2023 edition of the Free Children’s Fun Day was the first time the event was held in three years, and we were astounded by the community’s response the first time back.”

“Each year we have a number of changes to the line-up, but the event pretty much stays the same.

“We’re extremely lucky this year to have local theatre company CentreStage assisting with the entertainment this year, and once again the dedicated Lions Club of Corio Bay volunteers will be there to help as well.”

 

 

Mr Anderson said Rippleside Park Drive will be closed from 6am to 6pm to allow for parking officers to co-ordinate incoming cars, while the carpark adjacent to Balmoral Quay will be closed to the general public from 6am to 4pm for the duration of the event.

The event will be marked by several key performances including a flag raising, the singing of the national anthem, and the main event Emergency Services Fire Extinguisher Competition.

“We have listed the event start time at 11am, but every year we have cars arriving to Rippleside Park as early as 10am, so please bear that in mind when arriving for the day,” Mr Anderson said.

“We absolutely welcome anyone and everyone to come. It always astounds me when I see the stickers on the back of cars which tells me where everyone is travelling from.

 

 

“We work very closely with the City of Greater Geelong and the Wathaurong Co-operative to make this an inclusive and respectful event, because what we are doing is celebrating Australia.

“The very first thing we do in the morning when the flag pole arrives from the scouts is raise the Aboriginal flag as a mark of respect, because this is their land, and we recognise that.”

The event will begin closing rides and packing up from 4pm.