THE Golden Gateway Festival is half way through and organisers said it has been a massive success with more to come over the next few days.
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The festival began on Friday October 19 and opened with a Push Carts in the Gardens event for local students, which was attended by paralympian Richard Colman.
Later that evening the gala ball was held at the Ararat Town Hall, where Mr Colman also spoke.
Local clubs opened their doors and festival goers were able to sample the different activities the clubs offer, including gliding, drone racing, prospecting, fishing and croquet.
Executive committee vice-president Melissa Perry said attendance has been fantastic.
“We’re thrilled with the packed house for the ball and I believe there were hundreds at the lake for the fishing day,” she said.
“The baby show was well attended with over 80 entries, and the variety show was a full list and brilliant for everybody. The gold dig and the drone racing event had hundreds, even though the drone event was washed out.
“The seniors mystery bus tour was also packed and they had a fantastic day down at Portland.”
The Ararat Gold Dig saw prospecting enthusiasts camped out at Green Hill Lake Reserve over the weekend of October 20 and 21, where they searched for tokens and possibly the odd gold nugget.
On Wednesday the Alexandra Ararat Croquet Club held an open day for students from Marian College, who had the opportunity to try their hand at a sport that’s not generally featured in school sporting curriculum.
Ms Perry said Thursday night will also be jam packed, with activities at the library, the small bore air rifle shoot, the Ararat Little Athletics Fun night and a rock and roll concert at the Senior Citizens Hall.
“Friday we’ve got the (Carey Street) kindergarten’s Spring Fair and the Chally’s market and also the Golden Gateway Festival lunch, so all businesses and community groups gather together for lunch and it’s a competition to have the most members attend for the Golden Gateway shield,” Ms Perry said.
Yet to come is a ‘come and try’ croquet day, a performance in Moyston by blues band The New Savages, and on the Sunday the famous festival parade at 11am featuring floats that will parade through the town.
Entertainment will take place before the parade as well, with billy cart racing, a Tae Kwon-Do demonstration and a show by the Ararat West Skipping Team.
Ms Perry recommended checking the Ararat Golden Gateway Festival Facebook page, where she has been uploading the daily events.