A community celebration under golden leaves

THE Ballan Autumn Festival is back to celebrate culture, creativity and community.

One of the oldest regional country fairs in Moorabool Shire, the 2025 festival will include live entertainment, market stalls, food, a woodchop competition, vintage cars and children’s activities.

Committee president Kevin Harper said the grand parade and petting zoo will be festival highlights.

“The parade is loved by everybody – it’s come back as the most important thing to the locals,” he said.

“It’s inclusive of every group from the kindergarten kids to the people in the nursing home.”

Around 5000 people attend the festival each year and 40 per cent of them are estimated to come from outside Ballan.

“The previous owners of the post office came to an autumn festival and that’s why they decided to come here,” Mr Harper said.

Mr Harper said the festival’s success is due to community involvement.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the festival in its current configuration,” he said.

“Some of the vintage cars have been part of the parade since they were new.

“Other parades are for particular groups whereas this is for everybody; everyone is welcome.”

The Ballan Autumn Festival will be on Sunday 16 March from 9am until 3pm.

For more information, visit the festival website at ballanautumnfestival.au.