THRILLED organisers have rated this year’s Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) a fabulous success with an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 event goers drawn to the fun-filled family event.
Cordoned off sides of Ford and Camp streets and footpaths were packed with spectators for the Grand Parade on Saturday with a terrific vibe throughout the day.
Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival committee chair Josh Kardol said this year's event had been one of the biggest.
“It was a fantastic event, we had more entertainment and great weather,” he said.
Mr Kardol said three trophies were presented to winning Grand Parade participants with two of them for the best floats.
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The Hung Hing Lion Dancers won a first-time trophy for the best multicultural experience while the Beechworth Sweet Company received one for the best float, with the Tiny Café as runner up.
“We had 38 floats which is more than we’ve had before, and next year’s event will be bigger and better," Mr Kardol said.
Indigo Shire Mayor Sophie Price assisted by Beechworth Primary School's Greta Jameson officially welcomed people to the festival with this year's them 'Cultures through Time'.
Cr Price said the festival was a standout event.
“It showcases everything that is special about Beechworth, and certainly we see that supported by the tourist numbers here today,” she said.
“It's great to see so many people celebrating with so many people coming here year on year.
“Many people are here for their first time as they have heard what a great event it is, and it's proving to be that again.”
Cr Price also acknowledged the hard work of volunteers.
Beechworth’s Luke Brock delivered Acknowledgement to Country.
Mr Brock said paying respect to Indigenous people who lived here is needed with their stories added to the town’s history as it's part of the true history and the fabric of Beechworth.
“I want to be able to talk on behalf of descendants and keep alive that these people were here,” he said.
Beechworth Primary School student Greta Jameson, who won the poster design competition for this year’s festival, said welcoming people to town with the mayor had been special.
“The event brings everyone together and tourists get to learn a lot about Beechworth,” she said.
Visiting Beechworth with his family for the festival, Mitchell Beaumgarten from Wagga Wagga said they stayed at Lake Sambell Caravan Park over Easter.
“I’ve been to the festival quite a few times having grown up in Albury,” he said.
“It's fantastic, the weather's great, there's lots of people and there is always good family vibes.
“It’s a great event for the local community.”
GHSF secretary Lisa Kirton said Beechworth Secondary College year 10 students Alistair Merritt and Charlie McLachlan did an amazing job as the two emcees.
Ms Kirton also said a short survey undertaken on the day indicated people were delighted with the event and appreciated the diversity of activities.
GHSF committee member and former chair Jim Didolis attributed the wider variety of festival activities including the multicultural grant of $12,750 helping to boost activities on the day.
Mr Didolis said there were more food offerings as well.
“People were happy and everyone enjoyed the event,” he said.
“There were strong crowds at the Rotary market at Queen Victoria Park that’s good for the Rotary Club as they generously give back to the town.
“The spirit of bringing everyone together flows to many different facets of the community - community groups, businesses and individuals.
“Everyone in Beechworth is involved in the community event.
“It’s all about having a great day - one of joy and celebration.”
The volunteer run event had a group of 10 committee members working behind the scenes for months with around 50 volunteers to help on the day.
Assistance had been given for set up and then clearing by the Beechworth Correctional Centre community working team too.
“Without volunteers the festival couldn’t run,” Mr Kardol said.
