General News
1 November, 2024
Golden Gateway wraps up
THE 64th annual Golden Gateway Festival wrapped up another year of community spirit and entertainment in Ararat.
By Ellen Anderson.
THE 64th annual Golden Gateway Festival wrapped up another year of community spirit and entertainment in Ararat.
Though smaller in scale, the festival saw a successful 10-day lineup of activities, with community members coming out in support.
“We hope next year for our 65th year that the community will be able get out and be involved by entering the parade and make it one of the biggest yet,” said committee member Sally Perry.
The festival maintained traditions, featuring classic events like the Mary North Pool Competition, variety concert, mystery bus trip, and the annual parade.
New and established activities from local groups enriched the festival schedule, with events organised by Neighbourhood House, Ararat Senior Citizens, the RSL, Ararat Car Club, and others.
Highlights also included Grandies in the Park, open nights hosted by the CFA and SES, and athletic events from both Ararat and Lake Bolac Little Athletics.
As part of the Ararat Golden Gateway Festival, the Ararat Fire Brigade held a "Come and Try" night, offering kids aged 11-15 a chance to experience the Junior Fire Brigade team.
Golden Gateway Princess Sophie Cooper swapped her festival gown for firefighting gear, helping the juniors with exercises, including two-man marshalling, patterned hose reconnections, in a race against time.
King Daryl Chaplin and Princess Aylah Knight also joined in, trying their hand at the drills, making it an exciting and hands-on experience for everyone involved.
While at Ararat Athletics season opening day, Daryl Chaplin and Festival Queen Ruby Evans, challenged the young athletes to a 100-meter dash.
Club President Sam Rickinson said it was a fun event.
“They love it, it happens every year and its always a lot of fun,” noting the strong turnout, with 25 returning athletes and 13 new participants testing the waters.
“We had more show up than we expected, and we’re hopeful a few will join us,” Sam said.
Festival royalty added an extra layer of excitement.