By Lachlan Ellis<\/p>\n
The countdown is on for the 121st Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival, and with a new award under their belt, the Carnival\u2019s organisers are hoping for a record crowd.<\/p>\n
In January, the action-packed event took out Moorabool Shire\u2019s Community Event of the Year award, adding to the pride Blackwoodians feel welcoming people from out of town to the Carnival.<\/p>\n
The much-loved Street Parade will lead attendees from Blackwood\u2019s town centre this Saturday, down to the Lerderderg River and the Recreation Reserve \u2013 rightfully known as \u201cthe prettiest sportsground in Victoria\u201d \u2013 where the Carnival and Woodchop will take place.<\/p>\n
The action-packed event will feature live music, market stalls, tug-of-war, gumboot throwing, a pet show, gold-panning, a treasure hunt, and races \u2013 and that\u2019s just scratching the surface.<\/p>\n
The Carnival is run by the local non-profit Blackwood Progress Association, with proceeds injected back into the community. <\/p>\n
President of the Blackwood Progress Association, Brendan Hehir, said April is always an exciting time in Blackwood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are really excited, because last year we basically welcomed tourists back for the first time in two years. We were thrilled to have around 4200 people turn up, it meant so much to Blackwood. We live on tourism here, and we understand that without tourists we\u2019d be in trouble,\u201d Mr Hehir told the Moorabool News.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve certainly publicised our Community Event of the Year award far and wide, it\u2019s a great honour and a terrific badge to pin on ourselves. Awards like that aren\u2019t handed out for nothing, we understand this is a great event and we believe we only get better and better as the years go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for where this year\u2019s proceeds will go, Mr Hehir said a range of groups and events were funded by the Carnival\u2019s popularity, but there was one project in particular that would be \u201cfirst cab off the rank\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to Moorabool Shire Council, we have an upgraded tennis court, and they\u2019ve added to one of the tennis courts a netball court. This is the first time we\u2019ve had a netball court in Blackwood, and there are a number of local young mums who are very excited. They want to fit it out, we need to get equipment for it, and they\u2019ve approached Progress. We\u2019ll be fielding a team before too long,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also support concerts, film nights, that sort of thing\u2026and we\u2019ve also helped a couple of families in need struggling through minor disasters, fires and things like that. We\u2019ve had the funds available to help them out immediately. We\u2019ve also agreed to support the next Blackwood Bush Dance, which is a major event for the town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Discounted Earlybird tickets can be bought online in advance at www.trybooking.com\/CFPDV, or you can purchase tickets at the gate on the day. <\/p>\n
Earlybird tickets are just $12.50 for adults (16 years and older), while children 15 and under can attend for free.<\/p>\n
For more information, visit www.theblackwoodtimes.com.au\/2023-blackwood-woodchop-easter-carnival.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Lachlan Ellis The countdown is on for the 121st Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival, and with a new award under their belt, the Carnival\u2019s organisers are hoping for a record crowd. In January, the action-packed event took out Moorabool Shire\u2019s Community Event of the Year award, adding to the pride Blackwoodians feel welcoming people […]<\/p>\n