By Alesha Capone
A major flower festival featuring a parade of blossom-covered floats along Watton Street, Werribee will likely be held during 2023.
Wyndham councillor Heather Marcus first raised the idea at a council meeting held in November 2021, suggesting the Wyndham Flower Festival could become a signature annual event within the municipality.
At the time, Cr Marcus said she would like to see the festival go ahead in spring, to bring some cheer and colour to the community, much like the Chang Rai Flower Festival in Thailand and Holland Flower Festival.
Cr Marcus also said the event would feature a parade of floats down Watton Street, all covered in handmade flowers, with cultural groups, dancing schools and businesses invited to participate.
Council officers prepared a report based on Cr Marcus’ idea, which was presented at a meeting of councillors held on Tuesday, February 22.
The report stated the festival would feature a maker’s market, fare from the local restaurants, a spaghetti eating competition, rides, a supermarket trolley race down Watton Street, performers, children’s activities, roving entertainers and a fireworks display or light show.
The report suggested that the festival be staged from 11am until 9pm on a Saturday during spring.
As well, the report described the breath of entertainment on offer as “the most significant Wyndham has seen”.
“It is anticipated that an event of this size and quality will require a budget of $120,000 – $150,000,” the document said.
The report recommended that Cr Heather Marcus form an event committee and organise the flower festival independently of the council, in a voluntary capacity.
The report stated because the cost of the festival has not been included within the council’s budget, Cr Marcus could instead seek funding support for the event from the council’s Annual Community Grants program.
Cr Marcus said she agree with the report and would go ahead with organising the flower festival.
“I look forward to being able to form a committee and hope this festival will take place in March next year (2023),” she said.
