Olden is golden for Linton fest

LINTON will be shining in 2024 as the inaugural Gold Festival arrives in autumn.

With an aim to highlight and celebrate the town’s historic link to gold and mining, Linton and District Progress Association members are launching the one-day event which they hope to hold annually.

The family-friendly festival is currently set for Sunday 17 March, 10am to 4pm, with residents and business owners of the area encouraged to take part and wear an 1850s style costume.

A street parade led by a Chinese dragon is part of plans, in honour of the key role the Chinese community played on the diggings, and bus tours will feature sights including the Avenue of Honour, the Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown statue, Edinburgh Reserve, Linton Cemetery, and the Flagstaff Hill lookout.

LDPA member Michael Vogel said the day will have a uniquely Linton vibe.

“It’s all about celebrating the community, drawing people from other areas in, and saying that the Linton Gold Festival is set for the third Sunday of March every year,” he said.

“It’s a time when the community puts on and shows its best.

“The idea was spawned by a local who had seen the Pako Festa on Pakington Street, and while we don’t have the size and population of Geelong, we certainly have a wonderful history of gold, and connection with the Chinese community.”

Linton Gold Festival attendees will be welcome to tour the old Linton Library, gold panning and fossicking demonstrations will be given, and for those wanting to strike it lucky, they’ll be able to pan for little bits of gold in a creek.

Live music and market stalls, including some by the local Linton men’s shed and craft group, are planned, as are kids’ activities.

Offerings from local eateries and food trucks from further afield are set to keep Lintonites and visitors fed. Contact [email protected] to express interest in being involved.