Colourful floral fest draws big crowds

OVER sixty thousand people enjoyed the vibrant family atmosphere of the Ballarat Begonia Festival earlier this week, that brought four million dollars of economic benefit to the city.

Showcasing striking floral displays across the Botanical Gardens, local musical talent shone, there were market stalls, cooking and gardening demonstrations, children’s activities and the iconic begonia display in the Robert Clark Conservatory.

Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said the long weekend was “buzzing,” full of “amazing” autumn weather, impressive plants, expert people and great ideas. Thirty per cent of all festival goers had travelled from out of town to enjoy the free event.

“All ages were involved and we’ve had one of the best begonia displays in decades with over 1000 plants. The amount of colour that’s there… A sight to be seen, and not just ground cover,” he said.

City of Ballarat curator of parks and nursery, Peter Marquand said he loved seeing people get out and simply enjoy the lush surrounds.

“This is the 26th begonia display in this building, and it’s hard to believe it’s been this long,” he said.

“Visitors have been impressed this year. It’s nice because we get to see people seeing the displays for the first time, there’s the regulars, and ones that will come back again over the next few weeks.”

The festival hosted some familiar green thumbs in Costa Georgiadis and Sophie Thomson from Gardening Australia, while Dirtgirl, Bluey and Bingo were a joy for kids to engage with.

But the mayor had his own highlight on Sunday, getting up on the Begonia Stage to pick up tips from MasterChef’s Poh Ling Yeow.

“I was so lucky to get to cook with Poh. She was just so relaxed, comfortable and natural up there, answering questions as she went along,” he said.

“On Sunday we also had MasterChef’s Tim Bone and Anushka Zargaryan, which was just an awesome day cooking. The audience was full.”

The Begonia Parade on Monday morning attracted almost 10,000 people to cheer on the 50 community groups involved.

“I gave the Mayor’s Award to Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, who dressed up as fish and jellyfish. They were celebrating that even though they’re all different fish, they’re all part of the one school,” Cr Taylor said.

Roger O’Connor has walked in many a Begonia Parade, a FOSH volunteer at Sovereign Hill for over 17 years. Thirty-five people represented the outdoor museum this year in costume.

“I enjoy the people. The expressions on children’s faces when they see the costumes really makes it,” he said.

“Set in the 1850s, Sovereign Hill adds that nice contrast in comparison to other community and multicultural groups. The parade brings out diversity which is worth coming back for.”

The festival market sites drew vendors from near and far to sell their specialty goods, from gifts and clothes, to plants.

Khim Gan-Dean is based in Melbourne with her fashion accessories brand, Kimik. Alongside husband, Michael Dean, she’s presented her hand-crafted leather, resin and glass pieces, including flowers, at the Begonia Festival for four years.

“We have a point of difference from the other stallholders, what we do is unique, and it’s worked for us here,” she said.

“It’s a very well-run event for us to be part of, a great size and there’s a high level of professionalism, so kudos to the council and event managers.”

Festivalgoer Kate is an annual visitor. Now with her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Willow, they make the most of the weekend’s free children’s activities.

“It’s a good experience for her. She loved the water play area, the flowers and enjoyed the parade,” she said.

“We’ve picked up ideas about things we can do in our own home, and activities she can do. We feel lucky that we live locally.”