THE Bright Autumn Festival is upon us once again, as the Opening Showcase and Alpine Light display, the first events in the community-centred 10-day celebration, begin this Friday.
Following the morning's ANZAC Day commemorations, an honoured time of reflection, the community is welcomed to celebrate all that makes the local Bright region unique as the season starts to change in earnest.
The festival's opening night will be held at Howitt Park, at 4pm on Friday, 25 April, with face-painting, live music and many other festive celebrations planned for the family-oriented evening.
The festival has more than 20 planned events scheduled for this year, run by local community groups and volunteers, including the Wandiligong Nut Festival, Bright Singers and Alpine Actors performances, local historical walking tours and two murder mystery tours, 'Bright's Got Talent' and of course, the much-anticipated centre-piece, the Gala Day Parade.
Scheduled for Saturday, 3 May, this year's parade is set to transform Ireland Street and transport audience members back to the 1980s, with a fleet of fantastic floats designed to pay homage to iconic films from the era.
"Quite a few participants have signed up for our parade this year," festival president Brendan Holland said.
"If there are any community groups or businesses in town who want to register and add a float, it's not too late to do so.
"This year's theme will give people a lot of scope and some great ideas to create a unique float.
"The brass band is already practising a number of iconic movie themes to go with the parade.
"The colours of our local trees are looking pretty spectacular at the moment, hopefully they hold out for our gala day."
QR codes will be reintroduced at this year's festival to allow attendees to vote for their favourite float and open garden displays in town.
After over a week of events to celebrate Bright's beautiful autumnal colours and produce from the region, the final day of the festival on Sunday, 4 May, will see Freeburgh host it's annual bush market.
"The Gala Day Parade and Freeburgh Market is still on this year, even though it is scheduled for the same weekend as the recently declared federal election date," Mr Holland said.
For this year's program and to keep up to date with last-minute updates and additions, visit: www.brightautumnfestival.org.au and check in with the Bright Autumn Festival Facebook page.
