ARARAT - The 50th annual Ararat Advertiser Golden Gateway Festival has exceeded expectation, with record crowds attending the ten days of celebrations.
Festival president and Ararat Rural City Mayor Gwenda Allgood said committee members were overwhelmed by the support of the Ararat community.
''The festival was fantastic. It went way beyond our expectations and numbers were up at everything,'' she said.
''Community groups, sporting organisations and service groups really got behind us this year and the way the community responded to all the hard work we put in was just amazing.''
Festival celebrations kicked off on Friday October 16 with the crowning of this year's king and queen.
Local sporting identity and Ararat Football Club coach Scott Turner was selected to act as the male ambassador for the festival, while Jackie Gavin was a popular choice for queen.
The pair danced the night away at the 2009 festival ball which turned out to be one of the biggest and best yet.
Tickets to the event sold out quickly, with the Ararat Performing Arts Centre filled to capacity, both upstairs and downstairs.
The remaining nine days of the festival were jammed packed with activities, providing many highlights.
Both locals and tourists took advantage of the wide variety of events available, creating a fantastic atmosphere in the town centre.
Tourists from South Australia and New South Wales participated in the annual Gold Dig at Moyston, while shearers travelled from as far as New Zealand to try their luck in the Ararat Quick Shear.
''We had a lot of people from out of town and interstate attend this year's festival,'' Cr Allgood said.
''Groups arrived from New Zealand on the Friday morning to take part and were back home for work on the Monday, '' Cr Allgood said.
''It was a big effort for them to do that but they really enjoy coming.''
In addition to the regular program events, this year's festival also incorporated a number of new activities.
A tour of the Green Hill Mine proved extremely popular, attracting over 50 people.
The tour gave participants an insight into the mine's history and allowed them to explore the underground tunnels.
Also new to the 2009 festival was a lunchtime dance, held in lieu of the free lunchtime concert.
Dancing commenced at 11am, with a large crowd turning out to enjoy the music.
Cr Allgood said it was great to see new initiatives proving so successful.
''The mine tour was very popular and was something new and interesting,'' she said,
''I was also a bit surprised to see so many people enjoying the lunchtime dance.
''The older generation really liked the idea of an afternoon dance and I'm sure it will only continue to grow.''
The festival had plenty of other activities for the older generation, including a Senior Citizens' Club open day and a senior citizens' and retirees' bus trip.
Cr Allgood said over 100 people took part in the mystery bus tour.
''We took 106 senior citizens to Warrak after stopping at Buangor on the way,'' she said.
''It was a really good opportunity for them to see the new gallery and to have a look at the new extensions at the Warrak Hall. We also got to enjoy a magnificent meal.''
While the 2009 festival was packed with fun, food and festivities, the 50 year reunion at Gum San was by far the most memorable, allowing those involved to celebrate all their hard work.
Chairman of the first Golden Gateway Festival committee, Raymond Blizzard delivered a powerful speech during the evening, outlining the origins of the event.
Cr Allgood said 50 years was a fabulous achievement.
''This one was an extra special festival for us,'' she said.
''It was great for everyone to hear how the festival started and the meaning behind it.''
After 10 big days, the festival concluded with the annual procession down Barkly Street.
The event continues to grow each year, with a record crowd turning out to witness a procession of 29 floats.
''It gives you such a sense of pride to stand on the side of the road and see the effort that people go to. It's just brilliant,'' Cr Allgood said.
With festivities over for another year, the committee is already looking forward to 2010.
''We really want to put the call out to the younger generation to get involved, Cr Allgood said.
''We only have eight people on the committee and it is a big ask to run such a big event with so few people.
''We are always looking for new ideas to make the next festival bigger and better.''
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