General News
13 April, 2023
Carnival of fun at Rheola
The peace and quiet of Rheola was shattered on Easter Monday when thousands flocked to Pioneers Memorial Park for the 150th anniversary of the Rheola Charity Carnival. After three years away, the place was cleaned, the grass mowed, the secretary’s...
The peace and quiet of Rheola was shattered on Easter Monday when thousands flocked to Pioneers Memorial Park for the 150th anniversary of the Rheola Charity Carnival.
After three years away, the place was cleaned, the grass mowed, the secretary’s office scrubbed to within an inch of its life and the hall set up.
Volunteer Leesa Catto admits the committee had a nervous few days leading up to the carnival, with members constantly checking the Bureau of Meteorology website.
“As we know, the forecast plays a big factor in country life and its impact on the carnival is critical,” she said.
“Hot weather means an increased demand for cold food and drinks, and ice creams. Cold weather lends itself to an increase in demand for hot foot. And not enough food at any event does not make for happy campers.”
Fortunately, the weather looked good. Volunteers worked around the clock over the weekend to make sure the ground was read; all that remained was for the gates to open at 7.30 am Monday.
“Then it was on for young and old,” Ms Catto said.
“People travelled from far and wide to see the wide array of amazing events on offer, truly something for everything. The volunteers on the gate were flat chat from the off with a massive line of cars queued up for entry.
“Before 10 am all parking out the front was full and eventually people were forced to park at least one kilometre from the entry gates.”
Visitors to the carnival were not disappointed, with all the best from the country on show.
Sheep dog trials, tractor pull, sheaf tossing, wood chopping, foot races and a gymkhana were just some of the events on a packed schedule.
A huge screen displayed memorabilia about the history of the carnival, and inside the hall was a display of significant Indigenous artifacts from the Yung Balug clan, part of the Dja Dja Wurrung language group.
After all the planning and effort put in by volunteers, Ms Catto said the day couldn’t have been more successful.
“As they were leaving, most people were saying what a brilliant day they had,” she said.
A 13-year-old first-time visitor summed it up best, saying to his grandparents “this is really different. Cool.”
