THE SpringFest Online Raffle will be drawn in just under two weeks, so there\u2019s still plenty of time to purchase a ticket, or ten, in support of the Rotary Club of Ballarat\u2019s major fundraiser.<\/p>\n
Each year, SpringFest\u2019s proceeds are directed to community partner organisations within Ballarat, and the local and international projects of Rotarians.<\/p>\n
Rotary Club of Ballarat\u2019s Greg Honeyman said one of the grassroots groups benefiting from the raffle is the Ballarat Chinese Dragon Boat Club.<\/p>\n
\u201cDragon boats are quickly identified by the gorgeous and spectacularly coloured dragon heads adorning the front of the boats, and with dragon tails at the stern,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDragon boats were originally made of teak, but the modern versions are made of carbon fibre or fiberglass, whilst the practice of dragon boat racing has a history that goes back at least 2000 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cDragon Boats in full flight are a joy to behold, with their 20 or so rowers and a drummer, whose job is to beat out a rhythm for the rowers to match with their strokes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The other SpringFest beneficiaries are Bungaree Primary School, Miners Rest Primary School and Kindergarten, Mount Egerton Primary School, and Phoenix P-12 Community College.<\/p>\n
Eureka Trailers, G. Gay & Co, the Regent Cinemas, Raintree Art, Ballarat Taxis, and Cyclescape have all donated prizes to generate funds for these community partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the past 20 years, SpringFest has distributed in excess of $750,000 for the benefit of our local community,\u201d Mr Honeyman said.<\/p>\n