After 16 long years, the Dunolly Gold Rush Festival's triumphant return is just a few weeks away.
One of many big events happening in the Shire over the next few months, the Dunolly Gold Rush Festival is set to take place on 22nd and 23rd of October and will see proceedings get underway at the Dunolly Music Festival at the Dunolly Golf Club from 4pm to 10pm on the 22nd where a number of bands will take to the stage.
A full day of activities are planned on Sunday the 23rd at Dunolly's Gordon Gardens, including prospecting demonstrations, archery displays, woodwork demonstrations, jumping castles, free popcorn and fairy floss, Goldfields Music Club, barefoot bowls at the Bowling Club, 'hold the gold' contest, historic walking tours of the town, olde dress up selfies at the Dunolly Courthouse plus lots more. Entry to the Gardens is free.
Central Goldfields Shire Flynn Ward Councillor and Dunolly Gold Rush Festival Ambassador Liesbeth Long said excitement for the festival is almost at tipping point.
"Everyone is just ecstatic to have the Gold Rush Festival returning in just two weeks' time. There is so much planned, there will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy- from prospecting demonstrations, archery displays, woodwork demonstrations and historic selfies at the Dunolly Courthouse- just to name a few.
"The volunteer organising committee, Dunolly & District Inc, has done an incredible amount of work in pulling this event together and I can't wait to welcome people to Dunolly for the Gold Rush Festival."
Dunolly Gold Rush Festival organiser Brian Phillips said it will be great to welcome tourists and locals alike to town for the event.
"This will be a great family-friendly weekend, there will be something for everyone on offer.
"All of our local businesses have got behind the Gold Rush Festival- they'll all have special hessian flags out on display throughout the weekend ad there will be a 'Dunolly Traders Chase' whereby visitors collect stamps at shops to then enter a draw. We will also be selling Dunolly Gold Rush branded merchandise such as caps, bucket hats, beanies, t-shirts, polo tops and stubby coolers."
The Prospectors and Miners Association Victoria AGM will unofficially kick off the Festival on Saturday the 22nd, with more than 200 people expected to attend. They will also hold a MEGA raffle with $15,000 worth of prizes.
The Dunolly Gold Rush Festival was successful in receiving funding as part of this year's Central Goldfields Shire Council's Community Grants Program.
