Community
12 September, 2024
Plans unveiled for Colour Terang Festival
THE stage is set for blockbuster event when the Colour Terang Festival returns this month.
The popular community event will bring vibrancy to town on Friday, September 27, from 10am to 3pm, with an expanded event to accommodate the annual growth experienced over the past few years, according to Terang Progress Association president Ken McSween.
“We started off with an estimated 1000 attendees and we’ve reached an estimated 2500 last year,” he said.
“I can’t see any reason why the event can’t grow any bigger, it’s such a great day to get out and enjoy yourself.
“Through our surveys we’ve noticed people have driven through and stopped, and it’s been the reason for them wanting to come back the following year.
“It’s the reason we don’t close the main road – we love the idea of people passing through over the long weekend having a reason to stop in Terang because they can feel that something special is happening.”
Committee members of the Terang Progress Association have been hard at work behind the scenes preparing this year’s event, with new additions and changes built around feedback and a belief the best is yet to come.
The event will again fill the avenue on High Street and the Civic Hall but will also expand the car, truck and bike show along The Promenade, allowing for a wider range of vehicles - with all entries welcome for motoring enthusiasts from across the region invited to attend on the day.
Also on The Promenade will be the John Whitlock Symposium at the former guide hall, and at the Country Women’s Association Hall there will be bric-a-brac and second-hand book stalls with morning and afternoon tea available.
“We have people coming from places like Dartmoor and Birregurra for the car show,” Terang Progress Association secretary-treasurer Amy Leehane said.
“The judging starts at 11am, with winners to be announced at 12noon.
“There will be a number of trophies up for grabs which have been generously sponsored by Bourkey’s Tyres.”
There will be no shortage of fun and games for the kids, with a jumping castle and giant inflatable slide, six face painters, a butterfly enclosure, battery-powered ride on animals, a large petting zoo behind the Civic Hall and a nature bus.
The always-popular colour splash will again be held at 2.30pm, opposite the library.
A stage will be set up in the avenue with live music throughout the day from local bands, and and a roving balloon artist is sure to delight attendees.
Emergency services will set up vehicles and equipment on Shadforth Street for people to get an up-close look, while the Terang RSL Hall will also be open to the public.
The model train display from last year will return along with mini-golf, toddler activities, and a tutu and dance costume display.
There will be around three dozen stalls throughout the avenue in addition to 14 food vans and the Terang and District Lions Club manning the barbecue in the carpark opposite the Wheatsheaf Hotel, all of which bring something different to what is available through local businesses.
As always, all attractions and rides will be completely free of charge in a bid to support local families enjoying a great day without needing to open their wallets.
“That was the original premise of the Colour Terang Festival,” Mr McSween said.
“We wanted people to come out and feel like they could have a wonderful day without needing to put their hand in their pocket the whole time.
“Whatever you spend is entirely up to you; people are welcome to donate to support the event for future years, and we encourage people to purchase from our local stores.
“We’d like to encourage the businesses to be open on the day because we’re here to support the town and support local business.”