Man from Ironbark Festival set to make Easter return

The Stuart Town Advancement Association have announced that the upcoming event's return this year will be themed as a country fair, after earlier announcing several changes for the annual fixture.

Marcus Hanney, president of the organisation, said the decision was obvious in hindsight.

READ ALSO:

"A Country Fair is what we wanted to create, so the theme was obvious," Mr Hanney said.

"As we all know, 2020 saw a lot of shows and events cancelled because of COVID-19. We were in a little bit of a different situation as we made the decision after the 2019 event to take 2020 off and come back in 2021."

While not every change was a willing one, with several alterations made so that the upcoming event will be fully compliant with COVID-19 safety protocols and restrictions, the governing committee is confident they've made the right calls.

"As it turned out this decision was a good one to make," Mr Hanney said.

"This break has allowed us to make some changes to the format, some forced by Covid-19 restrictions, some deliberate."

As part of the raft of changes, the more open environment with multiple entry points won't be in use this time out when the festival returns later in the year.

"We would have preferred to have multiple entries and exits, but to ensure that we are a COVID Safe event this isn't possible," Mr Hanney said.

"While the festival will be held in the reserve, the STAA honestly believes we need to support our fantastic Ironbark Inn and all efforts will be made to make sure that the pub benefits from the festival, hence there will be a special exit at Moxon Park and plenty of announcements over the PA throughout the day."

Stall holders are already being invited to express their interest or book in for a spot and can do so online at the Man from Ironbark Festival facebook page or by phoning Barbara Eade on 0428 468 242.

"We have already had a great response from stall holders wanting to book a site and I have been in discussions with various exhibitors and ride operators," Mr Hanney said.

"If any club, organisation, or exhibitor would like to be involved, please contact us. We are going to have a large variety of stalls, rides and entertainment, it's truly going to be something special, a real old fashioned Country Fair."

The event is expected to be held on Easter Saturday, on April 3 at the Stuart Town Recreation Grounds.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.