Friendly and familiar faces of SpringFest

COOKING and chatting up a storm, this year’s SpringFest ambassadors, Tim Bone and Jules Zass are championing the annual event in their own ways.

Ahead of Sunday, 24 November the former Masterchef contestant and the Power FM radio announcer are ready to spread the word to their plethora of followers about the vibrant family festival.

Mr Bone “jumped at the chance” to be the face of SpringFest, loving his past experiences with the long-running event.

“Springtime in Ballarat is magic, and SpringFest is a Ballarat institution. To be a part of it is pretty special, not only in an ambassador role, but to have my Tim’s Toasties stall there. It’s pretty cool,” he said.

“In the past I’ve just been a friendly visitor, but now there’s a bit of added pressure, selling my toasties there and really spruiking it. I’m excited.”

Taking advantage of Salt Kitchen Charcuterie, new Armstrong Street bakery 1816 and Ballarat Mushrooms, Mr Bone wants to showcase producers of the region and attract a crowd beyond the Goldfields.

“My time on Masterchef has really given me that profile to try and attract as many people as I can,” he said. “I want to show Ballarat to the city slickers from Melbourne, show them how good we are and the amazing things we’ve got here, instead of us always going to Melbourne for events.

“I’m trying to use as much local produce from the area as I can, it’s what I’m really passionate about.”

Ms Zass is a SpringFest ambassador for the fourth time, noticing visitor numbers growing year on year.

“It’s drawing crowds from all over, there’s over 530 stalls and something for everyone,” she said. “You’ve got arts and crafts, plants, heaps of free activities for kids, and I’m most excited about the food and wine.

“There’s so many wonderful options, you’re going to want to sample a bit of everything.”

Speaking directly to Ballarat every morning on the radio, Ms Zass is looking forward to hyping up SpringFest.

“When I go to events people say, ‘I heard you talking about this on air and that’s why I came here today,’ which is fantastic.

“While people are moving around the lake, shopping, having a great time and eating, they’ll be supporting a great cause at the same time,” she said. “SpringFest has different charities they support, and it’s a wide group of beneficiaries too. It is all 100 per cent local which is so wonderful.”