Golden Horseshoes Festival a fabulous success

ORGANISERS for the Golden Horseshoes Festival (GHSF) have rated the Easter long weekend’s event as another terrific success, drawing an estimated crowd of around 14,000 people to the town from near and far. More than 31 colourful creative floats along with walking community groups - such as Freeman on Ford - entered by various organisation and businesses reflected the community spirit. With great weather, Beechworth buzzed as event goers enjoyed a variety of entertainment and activities. Entertainment was headlined by musicians Pete Denahy – a five-time Golden Guitar winner from Yackandandah– with his band The Surreal McCoys, joined by The Baker Boys from Melbourne. From Light Horse Brigade reenactments, theme parks, an animal nursery, a show and shine to the Rotary Market at Queen Victoria Park, there was something for everyone. GHSF committee chair Jim Didolis said Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price officially opened the festival on Saturday morning with the ‘Welcome to Country’ delivered by Corryong artist, didgeridoo craftsman and player Jon Juda. Mr Didolis said the event had been everything the committees and all involved had hoped for. “An enormous amount of work had been taken by everyone,” he said. “It’s amazing to see what people do and it’s great to see that community spirit is alive and well.” Mr Didolis said people looked forward to the parade and lined the street well before it started. “We love what we do and it’s great to know it's appreciated,” he said. Mr Didolis said the committee looked forward to new volunteers stepping up to take on committee roles, as well as volunteer on the day. "For the festival to be successful we need ongoing support,” he said. The festival brought major benefits to the local economy, with accommodation booked out. “We have great sponsors and we couldn’t run the festival without them, as well as the help received from the Corrective Services team," Mr Didolis said. Local musician and entertainer Pete Denahy said the festival was great for him as a performer. “It’s great to see local businesses rally behind the festival and the event is terrific for the town and the region,” he said. "There were people everywhere including Beechworth bakery, cafes and pubs. “With such a great atmosphere and a percentage of first time visitors too, I’m sure it won’t be their last time visiting,” he said. Beechworth Rotary Club’s John Costello said the Rotary market had been busy with the best numbers of people attending since Covid. "They didn’t seem to spend as much as they have in previous years due to the economic downturn, but attendance numbers had been encouraging," he said. As the club’s major annual fundraiser funds raised contribute to such as shelter box for overseas humanitarian aid, student exchanges, special one off community projects and long term community commitments. Mr Costello said cars parked for Easter Saturday stretched to near the hospital as well as in the streets at the back of the primary school. “There were a lot of people in town,” he said. Best parade entrant nominated by Beechworth Bakery was been awarded to Freeman on Ford while Drag’d Out Beechworth won the Golden Horseshoes Festival Committee Perpetual Trophy for the best parade entry.

Golden Horseshoes Festival a fabulous success

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