Festival fun for all

BENDIGONIANS of all ages are urged to experience the magic of Eaglehawk’s past and present at the 38th annual Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival.This year a tradition of the by-gone era will return to the historic town hall where local debutantes will be presented.The festival’s debutante ball has not been held since 2006.Organiser Aylene Gilbee says she is excited to see the ball back on the festival’s calendar.Another highlight of the festival will be the Eaglehawk Heritage Society exhibition, which will give festival visitors a look at the past with old exhibits, research and the old log lock-up on display.A new addition to the festival this year is the New Eaglehawk Art Show.The exhibition will showcase the works of more than 50 local artists who have been invited to capture the spirit of Eaglehawk.Councillor and art enthusiast Rod Fyffe will open the show.Festival goers will also get the chance to witness the grand parade along High Street, followed by the gala fair in Canterbury Park.Budding astronomers will be able to see astounding views of Saturn, the orion Nebula and many other fascinating objects through the telescopes set up on the shores of Lake Neangar.For the sporty types there are the half and quarter marathons as well as the cycling criterium.A trivia night will also be held for those wanting to exercise their mental ability.Music lovers will be treated to the Festival Idol and there will be a huge range of activities and entertainment at the popular multicultural festival in Canterbury Park.Garden enthusiasts will be delighted by the many displays, including the flower show featuring the National Dahlia Society of Victoria and Rose Society of Victoria along with dahlias, floral art, roses, cut flowers, pot plants, children’s novelty and vegetables.Show co-ordinator Marg Ashman said this year the show would feature a lot of water-tolerant plants including succulents and cactuses.She also encouraged garden lovers to enter their flowers and plants into the show.The festival begins on Sunday, March 15 and goes through to Sunday, March 29.For full details of events at the festival, visit the festival website at www.dahlia.bendigo.net.auFor more information about the flower show or to enter, phone 5446 9098.