Ararat’s Golden Gateway Festival will hold an information night for aspiring Queens of the annual event.
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With the festival, which celebrates the Ararat region’s community, to reach its 60th anniversary this year, organisers have urged girls and young women to apply to be a mascot for an extra-special event.
Melissa Perry said the festival would hold an information night at 7pm on Monday April 23 at the party room in Ararat McDonald’s restaurant.
Ms Perry said applications to be the Golden Gateway Festival’s 2018 Queen were now open for women aged 16 to 26.
“Last year’s queen, Megan Hammerstein, will be there to speak about her experience,” Ms Perry said.
“I’ll be explaining how the process is and encouraging businesses and community groups to support it and perhaps nominate an entrant.
“Entrants can also nominate themselves.”
Ms Hammerstein said she really enjoyed her time as Queen of last year’s festival.
“For 10 days we went out in the community, with the young ones and the older ones, and saw what really happens in the community,” Ms Hammerstein said.
“It was loads of fun. I loved it.
“I definitely recommend giving it a go.”
The festival, usually held later in the year, traditionally includes an interschool push cart and human powered vehicle challenge in the Alexandra Gardens and a ‘crowning of the King’ and ceremonial performing circus.
There is also a reception to launch the festival, followed by an Ararat Golden Gateway Opening Ball.
A variety of community events are then held throughout the multi-day festival, which is capped off with a parade of floats, musicians and dancers through Ararat.
Ms Hammerstein said one of the more memorable events was taking part in a small-bore target shooting competition.
“That was unreal. I loved that one,” she said.
Ms Perry said the festival was usually an eye-opener for the King and Queen as they got a first-hand look at the huge variety of events being run in their community.
“Our Kings are a recognition of past experience and the Queens are about getting the younger generation involved,” she said.
“This year is our 60th anniversary, so we want to make it as big as possible.”
For more information, contact Ms Perry on 0409 253 276.