By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Hunters and gatherers will descend on Winchelsea for four days as the region’s newest festival is introduced.
Organisers believe the Hunt and Gather Winchelsea festival will become a significant date on the Victorian rural calendar.
Running from 31 March to 3 April, the festival features regional produce, art and agriculture while celebrating innovation in farming, manufacturing and services.
The event kicks off with two regional Field Days at the magnificent Barwon Park Mansion and culminates with a family-friendly Rabbit Art Rally and River Picnic exploring the historic town.
Organiser Stuart Fountain said he expected more than 100 exhibitors from around the state for the Field Days, featuring an extensive range of supplies from manufacturers and farmers to wineries and local food producers.
Cooking demonstrations from renowned local chefs, family entertainment and country hospitality will add to the overall flavour of the occasion, Mr Fountain said.
He said the locally-driven initiative developed from a collaboration between the community group Growing Winchelsea, Surf Coast Shire Council and the Winchelsea and District Community Bank.
“This event is expected to become one of the largest annual community gatherings in the region,” he said.
“Not only will it attract producers and traders, but across the board people will have an opportunity to enjoy locally-grown produce and locally-made art.
“Along with the Field Days, we have a massive local auction for the Uniting Church, which is something like eBay on a cricket oval, and the Rabbit Art Rally and River Picnic, which will be a great day out for families and the general community.”
The auction on 2 April is open to anyone with something to sell from chooks and geese, to second-hand furniture and farm machinery.
The final day kicks off with a farmers’ market on the Barwon River at 9am, followed by the Rabbit Art Rally where participants will hunt around town for five large rabbit sculptures created by local artists, then gather for a town picnic on the Barwon River from 1pm.
Hunt and Gather Winchelsea is also part of the Eat Local Month food and wine festival running throughout the Surf Coast and Otway hinterland.
For further information phone organiser Stuart Fountain on 0417 160 559 or visit growingwinchelsea.com.au/huntgather.
