Crowds warm to Winterfest

By Tania Martin
ROCK climbing was one of the main attractions at this year’s Emerald Winterfest which also recorded a crowd of more than 10,000 people.
Organiser Don Hodge said this year’s Winterfest was without a doubt the biggest and best festival in the event’s 13year history.
“I believe the Winterfest is the biggest festival in the Dandenong Ranges and it’s getting bigger and better every year,” he said.
Mr Hodge said one of the biggest attractions at the Winterfest was the rock climbing which was a new addition to this year’s festival.
Mr Hodge said the car bust up was a huge success again this year with local emergency services performing a rescue demonstration.
He said the staged robbery of Puffing Billy featuring Mad Macca and his gang of bushrangers was also popular.
Mr Hodge said the face painting was a big attraction with young children as well as the showbags that Mitre 10, Barry Plant and Ferntree Gully Nissan were handing out.
Mr Hodge said the Winterfest committee had made several changes to the program of events this year including the introduction of rock climbing and a pet parade which proved to be a success.
He said patrons were also asked to fill out a survey on the day so that the committee could look at what events and attractions were attracting the most visitors and what could have been organised better.
Mr Hodge said the highlight of the day was the community spirit with so many local residents supporting the festival.
He said local residents are already showing interest in next year’s event.