"WE’RE really thrilled.”
Those words by Wood, Wine and Roses organising committee chairman Ross Barclay neatly summed up the feeling of many involved with Glenelg Shire’s largest event, run for the 28th time at Heywood on Saturday.
After missing 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, there were naturally some concerns as to how the festival would go on its return, particularly given more than a few changes to the program.
But those fears were put to rest as thousands streamed through the gates on a warm day to enjoy plenty of entertainment – both many old favourites and some new ones.
“What we haven’t got, we haven’t missed,” said Mr Barclay on Saturday.
“The (street rod) show’s going to be a thing of the future, and everything’s finished up falling into place.
“The crowd (on the town green) would be as good as any other time and they’re enjoying the entertainment.
“The Jetpack boys have been really popular.
“Everyone’s happy and I haven’t had so many people come up and pat me on the back saying ‘everyone’s doing a great job’.”
With the weather holding, everything was right for a good day when the Bendigo Bank Street Parade kicked things off at 11am.
With about 30 entries, led out by another of the festival’s attractions in the Dinomaniacs, the parade had as high a quality of floats as ever.
Organiser Stephen Hoggan, who was pleased with the turnout, said there were more than a few late entries as well, the last one just minutes before the parade started.
“It’s a bit of fun and we roll with the punches,” he said, reflecting the view of many on the day.
Heywood Consolidated School took out the major prize, $1000 for best overall float, while Heywood and District Secondary College (school), the Portland Citizens’ Brass Band (community), and Portland Car Club (novelty) won the other cash prizes.
Another highlight was the official opening of the Stehn-Lynch Memorial Jail at the Pioneer Wagon Shed and Museum, an emotional time for the descendants of the two former Heywood policemen it honours.
There will be more coverage of that and other Wood, Wine and Roses events, in Friday’s Observer.
