Light in the middle of winter

Friends of Garfield committee members, left to right, Mary White, Pat Wakefield, Melva Bonham and Kate Everett are among those organising the event.

By DANI ROTHWELL

GARFIELD’S Winterfest will highlight all the best bits of the town.
The newly formed Friends of Garfield has created the Winterfest Heritage Festival.
With the Bush Poet’s Arvo on Saturday 1 August followed by the Antiques Market on Saturday 8 August it is set to bring the community together.
Winterfest secretary Kate Everett said Garfield can lose some of its sparkle during winter.
“The purpose of this event is to brighten up our town as well as uncover and recognise the area’s history and rich heritage,” she said.
The main street of Garfield will be covered in coloured light, photos and memorabilia of the town’s history.
Local historian Mary White said that the area had a rich and varied agricultural history and that, as well as the history of its pioneers, will be the theme of the Winterfest celebrations.
The Bush Poets Arvo will be at the Garfield Picture Theatre from 1pm to 3pm.
Pat Wakefield, a local popular singer, will be the master of ceremonies and encourages local poets to come and perform.
The antiques market, running 9am to 4pm at the Garfield Community Centre, will feature undercover market stalls, butter making demonstrations and an antique fire truck from the Bunyip Fire Brigade.
Items can be brought along to be appraised by valuer David Freeman for $5 an item.
However he will not be able to appraise coins or stamps and only photos of large furniture should be brought along.
Entry will be $5 with those under 16 getting free entry.
There will also by a silent auction to raise funds for local community projects.