By Bronwyn Hastings

A street parade, market, live entertainment and a vintage rally are among the attractions listed for the four-day Warracknabeal Easter Festival, which begins on Friday.

Warracknabeal Action Group committee member Tamara Bandy said a free cemetery tour, along with competition golf and bowls, and the Wimmera Christian Easter Convention, begin the festivities.

“The cemetery tour sounds a bit quirky, but I attended it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.

“Our local historian and former councillor Graeme Massey runs it. He picks out a few graves and gives you the history of the person, how they significantly impacted Warracknabeal.

“It gives you a real understanding of our community and where we started.”

Saturday’s grand parade along the main street will include a variety of vehicles from the town’s community groups.

“The parade is always a huge hit, it’s always exciting to see everybody gather down the main street and support our local businesses – that’s always a huge buzz for us,” Ms Bandy said.

“A lot of our community groups put in floats, there are tractors from Wheatlands Machinery Museum, cars from the show ’n shine, as well as facepainting, and food and drinks available from our shops in the main street, as well as a coffee van.”

Saturday will also involve a dog’s breakfast – free for dogs and humans – at Kelsall Street Dog Park in Rotary Park. Organised by Warracknabeal Rotary Club, there will be prizes including best-dressed and trickiest dogs.

There will also be a community market, two Easter egg hunts at The Community Garden, scones at newly heritage-listed Ladies Rest Rooms, Warracknabeal Easter Race meeting, and a tractor pull.

“On Saturday and Sunday Wheatlands Machinery Museum will feature 100 years of Caterpillars in their 56th annual event,” Ms Bandy said.

“They will also have demonstrations and displays of chaff cutting, shearing and bailing, the Stawell Model Railroaders, as well as refreshments and kids’ activities.”

Sunday’s family fun day features children’s activities, Snake Busters, tiny goats, food vans, a bar, and live music from Sam and Sam, and Matty Chaps.

“There really is something for everybody and every budget,” Ms Bandy said.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re into – we’ve tried to cater for everybody.”

Ms Bandy encouraged people to check the group’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on the festival, and said the group welcomed feedback.

“If people have ideas or suggestions of things they want to see in Warracknabeal over Easter, send us a message,” she said.

“We’re always happy to include new things and new ideas.”

People can visit www.facebook.com/wbealwag for more information on the festival. 

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