SpringFest grows bigger

BALLARAT Rotary Club’s SpringFest Market Sunday raised thirty-eight thousand dollars around Lake Wendouree last November.

Events coordinator, Nicole Bartlett said the annual event attracted its largest crowd and number of stalls.

“To give a snapshot, there were 35,000 people, 530 stallholders, 22 areas, six sub events, five community partners, over 100 volunteers, and plenty of sunshine,” she said.

“Going forward, having more people and more stalls means we have more money to give back to our community partners, which are Mount Egerton and Bungaree Primary Schools combined, Miners Rest Primary School, Phoenix P-12 Community College and Ballarat Chinese Dragon Boat Club.

“It’s a great event for Ballarat with that many people in town and an incredible flow on effect for local businesses.”

SpringFest’s community partners are locked in for three years, each receiving $4500 from the 2019 festival.

“Hopefully we can give them that fabulous same amount, if not more, for three years,” Ms Bartlett said.

“Each of the community groups brought an element to the event which helped reduce our costings, as well as providing volunteers.

“For example, 35 Phoenix students helped with line marking, Miners Rest helped set up the car parking and collect rubbish, and the Dragon Boat Club helped with traffic management.”

Around half of the money raised will also be injected into the Rotary International Fund.

The organisational team is grateful for the support of their sponsors “that make SpringFest happen,” including naming rights partner, Optus.

“Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to raise the funds that we do,” Ms Bartlett said.

People or community groups needing exposure should consider becoming a stall holder in 2020.

“SpringFest is a great way for them to raise funds or awareness amongst the extensive crowds. A lot of the market stalls are community groups raising their own profile or funds for themselves, whether it be via a barbecue or their products,” she said.