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18 September 2024
By Bronwyn Hastings
Kannamaroo Festival Committee members have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for additional activities and attractions at this year’s event, including fireworks.
Festival committee president Di Bell said Kannamaroo would go ahead, but the prescribed annual funding would not cover all the costs of the festival.
“Horsham Rural City Council provides an $8000 grant to cover most of the costs,” she said.
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“We thank council for the grant being provided again this year, but we need to raise more money to cover the fireworks and additional free activities.
“It is most important the festival remains free for all to attend and that there’s plenty for families and others to enjoy.”
Mrs Bell said paying for the added costs of conducting the festival had become the biggest challenge for the committee.
“We are now trying to stretch the budget to provide the entertainment, fireworks and free activities the community has come to know and love,” she said.
“It’s always been free, to include everyone, so people can have some time out and connect with others in their community.”
Since its beginning in 1980, Kannamaroo festival has taken place across a variety of locations, depending on weather or the desire to showcase particular areas of Horsham.
“We even ran the event through COVID-19 restrictions, people were able to view fireworks from their homes or vehicles,” Mrs Bell said.
The committee is expecting between 3000 and 4000 people this year.
“We really appreciate any donations, even $10 a family will make a difference – 300 families each giving $10 would get us to our goal, but we do understand many are struggling with living expenses,” Mrs Bell said.
Kannamaroo will be at Maydale Reserve from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24.
People who would like to donate can visit gofund.me/e2e92dd2.
“The whole point is that nobody is ex-cluded. This year it’s even more important, with people unable to go to other community events because they are strapped for cash. It will be good,” Mrs Bell said.
The entire September 18, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
