Arty Gras shows off
DESPITE the inclement weather, Arty Gras was another great success for Mirboo North over the weekend.
All of the parade floats and activities arrived; even the Australia Fair grand organ, which had to come from Melbourne, arrived to lead the parade on Saturday.
One of the organisers, Ian Southall, said the parade was one of many highlights of the weekend.
“We estimate that somewhere between 600 and 700 people were involved in the parade. The whole street was full, on both sides with kids, floats and activities all the way up and down,” he said.
“It was the biggest parade for Arty Gras. Last year was big, but it is growing. The parade would have been up by four or five floats and activities at least.”
A crowd of 1500-2000 braved the wet and windy conditions on Saturday to see the parade, and to enjoy the other activities and performances on offer throughout the town.
“The sun came out right on 11am and stayed out until the parade finished. Mother Nature shone her beautiful light on us for it, which was great,” Mr Southall said.
“The cold weather probably kept crowds down a little, but we were surprised with the turn-out. The parade had great diversity of activities and floats, with about 50 groups participating.
“We are very grateful for the people that came out to support the community. We also had a lot of people travel from Melbourne to be a part of the festival, which is very encouraging.”
The Mums in Tubs parade entry was deemed the best for the festival, with the Mirboo North Playgroup entry of Bugs in Barrows coming in second, and the entry of people dressed in milk bottles from Yinnar came in third.
The main stage programming still went ahead, even though a couple of performances were moved indoors.
“The secondary college guitar ensemble was fantastic. The circus act, Knock Off, wowed the crowds, with a packed house watching the highly energetic acrobatic group.”
The Arty Bras, Bags and Shoes exhibit was a great success, with at least 500 people going through their exhibition over the weekend.
“Bryan Baker provided an intimate evening at Dalliance. He really impressed the small audience with his songs and ballads, which were reminiscent of Split Enz and Crowded House,” Mr Southall said.
The art show opening was another huge night on Friday, with the Shire Hall filled to capacity.
“There were some wonderful pieces of art, a very eclectic range. There was something there for everyone, to draw the eye and grab their attention. I have never seen such a grouping of eclectic art,” Mr Southall said.
Overall, even with the weather being less than perfect, Mr Southall said that Arty Gras continues to be a great community event.
“It is our town on show. The event brings the community together with a sense of fun. People who visit Arty Gras get inspired to re-visit, live, work, invest in the town. Mirboo North has a great capacity to show what it has to offer,” he said.
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