fbpx

A day by the lake has never been this fun

November 21, 2018 BY

Revved up: Ray Bell and his 1932 Ford Coupe will be at Sunday’s SpringFest. Photo: ALISTAIR FINLAY

SUNDAY is SpringFest and Lake Wendouree will be packed with amazing things to do, see, taste and buy.

The event will see over 500 market stalls spread-out around the lake as well as activities and entertainment for everyone.

“The weather is set to be a lovely 21 degrees and this year we have lots of new stall holders and fabulous events happening around the Lake,” said Nicole Bartlett, SpringFest co-ordinator.

“It’s sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.”

One of the highlights of SpringFest is this year’s Show n Glow presented by MG – Peter Stevens Motors.

Located in South Gardens, the event is open to anyone with a gold coin to donate awesome car they want to show off.

Ray Bell will be there and he’s bringing his mint condition, fully restored 1932 Ford Coupe with him.

Mr Bell said getting the car up to its current condition took many years and over $100,000. He also said people react to the restoration when they see it.

“Wow, is the first word,” he said. “And how much did it cost you is the second.

“They when you tell them how much it’s cost, they go wow again.”

This year SpringFest in joining with the Ballarat Rod Run, which will draw in at least 100 unique cars.

Once the showing and glowing is done at 3.30pm all cars in the exhibit will rollout for a lap around the lake as part of a grand parade.

If muscle cars and revving engines isn’t your thing, there’s always the Sovereign Hill Mini Township.

Sarah McKenzie and Tegan Benfield from Sovereign Hill with SpringFest Director Rob Glass. Photo: CAROL SAFFER

While there will be plenty of food at SpringFest, the Mini Township will take you back to the 1850s with their old fashioned famous hard-boiled lollies and award-winning pastries.

There’s also opportunity to pan for real gold, or you can play quoits, hopscotch and other games from yesteryear, and even snag a special selfie with the in-costume characters from Australia’s premier living museum.

The Sovereign Hill Mini Township will be located at St Patricks Point.

Once you’ve finished stepping back in time, the Ballarat Fish Protection Society and Anglers Club will be hosting an open day at its headquarters.

Located at the Ballarat Anglers’ Memorial Lodge, 114c Wendouree Parade, at the Devon St corner, there’ll be angling equipment and historical artefacts on display while members will be on hand to give advice to novice anglers.

There’re also door prizes to be won with free coffee and tea available.

While SpringFest is a fundraising activity, the Anglers Club open day is a great example of how the organising body, the Ballarat Rotary Club, sees the event as an opportunity for all community groups to gain exposure.

The Show n Glow, Mini Township and Anglers Club open day are just a sample of the huge range of activities available at SpringFest.

In addition to the over 500 market stalls other activities include the Petstock Pet Corner, RACV Goldfields Resort Children’s Wunderfest, a Hole in One Competition, the Sportz Zone, a Treasure Trail, Battle 2 strength competition and a Dragon Boat come and try.

To accommodate the extra traffic the road around Lake Wendouree will become one-way in a clockwise direction and there will be no parking on the lakeside lane.

Parking is available at Victoria Park and there’s a free shuttle bus service to and from the lake. There is also parking available at North Gardens Reserve.

SpringFest goes this Sunday, 25 November from 10am to 4pm at Lake Wendouree.