Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH
MILLICENT will again come alive with colour and creativity on April 7 for the annual Geltwood Festival Market and Lions Family Fun Day.
A key element of the annual quilting and craft festival, the two events attract hundreds of visitors to the town from across the region and beyond.
Large and small retailers will be open and numerous stalls will sell fresh local produce, home-made goods, art and crafts among other wares.
The festival is approaching its 20th anniversary, while the Millicent Lions Club came on board a few years ago to widen its appeal with more family-focused activities and displays.
Lions club spokesman Alan Rolfe is wearing out his shoe leather as he calls on local businesses and groups to secure their support for April 7.
“One of the highlights of the entire weekend will be three, six-model train lay-outs in St Alphonsus Hall,” Alan said.
“They are coming from Adelaide and Stawell as well as one from Millicent model train enthusiast Arthur O’Connell.
“The trains will be there on both Saturday and Sunday.”
Mr Rolfe said the Millicent Choral Society and the Ardlair School of Highland Dancing would return to perform, along with the Beachport Ukulele Group.
Millicent businesses will also be involved, hanging quilts in their window displays.
“The display of cars by the Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club is always popular and there will be a jumping castle for the children.
“Laura Wadsley will offer rides in the horse and sulky with all donations going to the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum.
“There will also be rides in a steam-driven tractor provided by the Mil Lel Steam Preservation Society.
“They will also have some of their stationary engines on display.
“We are putting out the call for more buskers and other musicians to add to the day.”
The importance of the Geltwood Craft Festival, Market Day and the Lions Family Fun Day is appreciated by the Millicent Business Community Association.
Chairman Lee Morgan said his members again voted to allocate $1000 to the Millicent Lions Club to help with various expenses associated with staging the festive occasion.
“The association is all about supporting and promoting business in Millicent and the Geltwood events bring people here,” Mr Morgan said.
