By Justin Flynn
Treasure hunters have been busy searching shops on the northern Bellarine Peninsula with the annual Festival of Glass getting underway recently.
The festival’s popular treasure hunt sends people on a journey through businesses in Portarlington, Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis in search of items to stamp off on a map.
Those that get 10 items can enter the main draw, to be announced at the Festival of Glass expo on 18 February.
The treasure hunt has more than 150 prizes, worth more than $4000 and has attracted plenty of interest from all age groups.
“The kids get a real buzz out of it,” Portarlington store owner Sandi Hillman said.
“You can have a lot of fun with the kids while they’re doing it, saying ‘hot’, ‘hotter’, ‘colder’, ‘cold’ as they search for the treasure.”
Treasure Hunt coordinator Diane Schofield said the event benefited everyone.
“There’s been great excitement all round,” she said.
“We see it as a four-way win for everyone – the businesses get more customers, the artists get recognition, the festival itself gets publicity and the public is in the running to win great prizes.”
The treasure hunt is in its third year while the festival will enter its eighth.
“There’s been a lot of excitement about it from the first day,” Ms Schofield said.
“A lot of grandmothers are taking their grandkids around hunting for the treasure. We’ve got people coming to us now asking to be involved rather than us chasing them. We’re hoping it continues to grow and grow.”
The Festival of Glasskick offs with Twilight Flames at Leura Park Estate on 17 February, featuring Venetian glass master Mauro Vianello showcasing his skill from 7pm to 9.30pm.
The expo is on 18 February in Drysdale with more than 40 glass artists, and awards, exhibitions and classes.
