Wellington SpringFest plans are going full steam ahead as organisers invite the community to enjoy a weekend of entertainment.
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The annual event returns on Friday to Sunday with popular favourites and new additions to the program.
A rush of registrations from market stallholders has already seen numbers increase from last year, SpringFest committee chairman Ian Law reports.
High water levels in the Macquarie River forced the organisers to cancel the River Classic that was to be held on Sunday, but Mr Law said SpringFest was nevertheless shaping up to be quite an event.
He reported one week from the event they had already received registrations from 75 stallholders for the SpringFest Markets on Saturday.
“We’re thrilled,” he said.
“Last year we had 60 altogether, so we’re doing something right.”
Entertainment is planned for children, including jumping castles, dodgem cars and more.
“So it’s going to be a day of low-cost entertainment for the community and any visitors for our area, which is what we’re hoping,” Mr Law said.
New activities join the SpringFest banner this year.
A major new event this year is the SpringFest Cycle Classic.
“A 72km ride through this beautiful countryside,” Mr Law said.
The other new addition is a movie to be screened in the park – ‘Snoopy under the Stars’.
The chariot races return, but they will move out to Nanima Crescent, which will be closed from Swift to Warne streets.
The bush poetry will now be held on Saturday at 2pm rather than on Sunday.
“Three poets, one from Western Australia, one from Yeoval and our very own Kenny Blackburn will be in the park,” Mr Law said.
The Western Stores building will be a hive of activity.
The Red Cross would be doing devonshire teas on the paved area for an al fresco feel, Mr Law said.
Inside the Western Stores there would be a spring floral display, which was a new one, he said.
There would also be wood-turning demonstrations and the first drone photographic exhibition.
“So fingers crossed it now depends on the weather, we’ve given it our best shot and the committee I’ve got working with me are just incredible,” Mr Law said.
“They come from all the organisations and they’ve gone the extra yard in terms of trying to deliver something for the community.
“That I might add does not cost the community anything - if they want to make a gold coin donation, great - they don’t have to.”