BY LOTTE REITER

The illustrations of a young Horsham creative will feature in a 14-day devotional as part of this years’ Operation 19:14 family-fun day on Sunday.

The church-organised event offers free activities and entertainment to Wimmera families and children at Horsham’s Sawyer Park from noon to 4pm.

Horsham College year-11 student Nikita Deckert, completing year-12 studio arts, has volunteered more than 16 hours and produced 28 illustrations for a devotional that will be included in event showbags.

The aspiring artist said she was excited at the opportunity to share her passion with her community.

“I wanted to do something for younger children. I also wanted to be able to do something for God,” she said.

“This is a way for me to put my art into that space and get it out there. 

“It is a career-based interest as well as a hobby.”

Committee member Yolande Grosser, who wrote the devotional booklet, said Nikita was an immediate choice as an artist.

“She has four younger siblings so she knows what young children like, and her drawings are just amazing,” she said.

“There will be 500 printed devotionals that will be available for every child who attends. 

“They will be in a goodie bag that is also stuffed with snacks and information.”

Operation 19:14 is a popular family event on the Wimmera calendar, mainly aimed at primary school-aged students.

Mrs Grosser said this year’s event would involve about 200 volunteers from churching communities in the region.

She said there would be a variety of activities running for the whole family to enjoy.

“Operation 19:14 ran for six years, and then we had a Sabbath, and it’s in its second year back this year,” she said.

“It’s a huge, free, family fun day with so many amazing things on offer. 

“There’ll be face-painting and badge-making, hip-hop dance workshops, five giant inflatables, the Sawyer Park miniature train will be operating and performer Sean W Smith will be the main music stage show at 3pm.

“There’ll be face-painting and badge-making, hip-hop dance workshops, five giant inflatables, the Sawyer Park miniature train will be operating and performer Sean W Smith will be the main music stage show at 3pm”

– Yolande Grosser

“There are always huge lines, so people are encouraged to look around at what they think they’d most like to do and go straight for that first.”

Mrs Grosser said there would also be a sausage sizzle, hot jam donuts, gingerbread cookies and other food and drinks available on the day.

People can visit www.operation1914.org for more information. 

The entire August 21, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!