A Very Merry Un-Tea Party
Sunday 20 February marked the first Celebrate Maroondah event for 2022, a Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Warrien Reserve.
Hundreds of people followed the mischievous directions on a sign post to our Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Sunday 20 February, which featured a whimsical banquet of topsy-turvy teapots, delicious cupcakes, rainbow gelati and toadstool seats.
And to keep the Queen of Hearts happy, games of giant chess, checkers and flamingo quoit were played. The teacup ride, however, was the star of the show, giving guests the chance to feel like Alice as it spun them around and around.
The host of the party certainly made an entrance, joining Alice and a hand-standing cupcake as he roved around the park.
The Cheshire cat was also in attendance, with craft stations set up so guests could wear his cheeky grin.
Cr Marijke Graham of the Barngeong Ward was delighted with the event. "I'm so glad that the Barngeong Ward was able to host such a fabulous event for our community.
"Thank you to all the children who dressed up, enjoyed the entertainment and made some new local friends. It was wonderful to see so many people come out and enjoy our local park!" Cr Graham said.
You can view more photos from the event online now.
Enter the Jungle with Jumanji
On Saturday 26 February, the community gathered for an adventurous night with an outdoor cinema screening of Jumanji - Welcome to the Jungle at McAlpin Reserve.
Residents reserved their spot on the grass in front of the giant outdoor cinema screen before preparing themselves for the dangers of Jumanji's jungle.
Children hung like monkeys from bars, ran across rope bridges, jumped on boxed steps and climbed a rock wall in McAlpin's newly upgraded playspace.
Next, they watched in awe as giant bubbles were blown and a hula hooping clown tripled the difficulty by spinning three hoops at once.
Then, they enjoyed the free pre-movie snacks; ice creams, popcorn and a free sausage sizzle before the movie began at sunset.
Cr Suzy Stojanovic, Councillor for the McAlpin Ward, was happy to see so many local families enjoying the festivities.
"It's always a great time when the community gathers together," she said.
"I'm so glad that McAlpin had the opportunity to host this event.
"It was wonderful to see so many local kids playing on the new playground; it's something we're really proud of and couldn't wait to showcase to the community," Cr Stojanovic said.
What is Celebrate Maroondah?
Celebrate Maroondah is a series of annual free events for the community, held in local reserves across our nine Wards. They are always fun-filled, family-friendly days out with rides, food, activities and performances.
The events are fantastic opportunities for residents to get together and enjoy being part of such a lively community.
The next Celebrate Maroondah event
The next Celebrate Maroondah event will be held at Tarralla Creek. More details on the event will be posted on our Events calendar closer to the date.
To keep up-to-date with upcoming events, subscribe to Maroondah News.
