BAF a knockout event

By Lachlan Ellis

The Ballan Autumn Festival (BAF) returned to its regular autumn slot on Sunday 19 March, with its first true ‘autumn’ event in three years being a booming success.

The BAF Committee revived the ‘superhero’ theme from the planned 2020 festival – which was postponed due to the pandemic lockdowns – allowing attendees to dust off their costumes and fill Ballan with colour.

It was also a chance to celebrate not just the superheroes we see in movies and comic books, but the real life superheroes who live among us, such as emergency services and healthcare workers, who have worked tirelessly through both the pandemic and natural disasters over the past few years.

Despite the mixed weather conditions, there were a record-breaking 37 entries in the parade, including some solo entries for the first time in a long while.

The pet show also had an impressive turnout, with 40 entries, and an estimated attendance by around 9,000 people – plus of course, the stars of the show, the pets.

The President of the BAF Committee, Kevin Harper, expressed his delight at the community’s engagement in a fresh and exciting way.

“With so many people being involved and supporting the festival, it was a great way to bring the community together and showcase the spirit of Ballan,” Mr Harper told the Moorabool News.

“I am sure that many of us had kept our superhero outfits (hoping they would fit) waiting for this day.”

The festival offered a range of activities for people of all ages. In addition to the parade and pet show, there were also market stalls, food trucks, live music, and various other forms of entertainment. The festival provided an excellent opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services.

A source of pride for the Ballan community and one of the most significant events on the town’s calendar, BAF’s continued success is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the organising Committee, sponsors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure a fantastic day for everyone involved.

Mr Harper gave special thanks to BAF’s sponsors for their crucial role in the Festival’s success, including: mecwacare, Moorabool Shire Council, McGrath Real Estate, The Moorabool News, The Ballan Chamber of Commerce, Wombat Regional Arts Network, Springfields Garage, Zest’s Cafe, and the RSL.

After being called back from ‘retirement’ for the past two festivals, he is looking to form a new committee, provide advice and ‘hand on the baton’ whilst looking forward to seeing what next year’s festival will bring.