Spellbound Festival

By Helen Tatchell

With a committee of just five people, the Ballan Autumn Festival has showcased to an estimated 10,000 people how less is more.
As the luck of the Irish would have it, on Sunday March 17, the weather was perfect for the 44th Autumn Festival in Ballan.
Car parks were hard to come by and visitors walked within a 4-block radius to experience the entertainment of the themed event, The Ballan Academy of Magic.
Stall holders numbered over 120, kid’s entertainment, Devonshire teas, the wood chop, art gallery displays, CWA cake decorating, vintage cars and machinery display, pet show and the grand parade had visitors short on time to capture the day’s activities.
President of the festival committee, and Moorabool’s Citizen of the Year, Kevin Harper acknowledged the “sterling work” of his volunteer team.
“In reality we have made this happen in under three months.
“Drawing on the work of the previous committee members, we have had to forge a ‘new way’ given the reduction of the committee to one-third of the 2018 committee and one-fifth of the committee four-years ago.,” he said.
Mr Harper said there was one quality in particular that he must thank his working committee for.
“The gentle tolerance of each other’s dreams and fears; there has been an air of supportive cohesiveness which is to be much honoured,” he said.
Mr Harper said the 2019 committee had the privilege to present the “oldest and most respected event on the Shire calendar.”