PLANS are underway for the return of the Casterton Kelpie Festival and Australian Working Dog Auction on the long weekend in June.
Kelpie Association President, Karen Stephens said with the continued easing of pandemic restrictions, the committee was keen to see all of the old festival favourites return and the working dog auction back on-site at its Island Park home.
“It’s going to be a huge year as we know people are keen to get out and get back to doing the things they love – if the amount of enquiries is anything to go by, it’s going to be an awesome year in 2022,” Mrs Stephens said.
The Kelpie Festival is lining up with all the favourite events such as the Kelpie Dash and High Jump and the ever-popular stockman’s challenge, where man, dog and horse are pitted against a mob of sheep and a course of dry obstacles.
“The Street Parade will be able to be run, so we ask the schools and community groups to put their thinking caps on as we want this year to be the most colourful and spectacular parade we have ever seen!” Mrs Stephens said.
“And of course, Rob Pilmore and Jarrod Alcorn have their dedicated team working away organising the 26th Australian Working Dog Auction – we are excited to see if they can they exceed the $35,200 World Record they set in 2021.”
She said with easing restrictions came freer movement on the Saturday of the festival.
“Saturday comes under ‘Public Open Space’ event, so it requires no sign-in (no fencing required) - people are free to move about the main street as normal,” Mrs Stephens said.
“Sunday will be a what they call a ‘controlled event’ as we charge an entry fee and ensure that no dogs enter Island Park other than Auction Dogs.”
Keep an eye out in the Casterton News for further updates.
