BEECHWORTH

Beechworth gets set to saddle up for 2009 Golden Horseshoes Festival

Preparations are in full swing in Beechworth as the town gets set for its biggest annual celebration, the Golden Horseshoes Festival, opening three weeks today on Good Friday 10 April and continuing across the Easter weekend.

The 2009 program will see the return of old favourites including the fabulous Grand Parade which will see dozens of floats vie for the Beechworth Bakery Perpetual Trophy as well as new events including displays, a Monster Raffle, free live performances and spectacular roving entertainment.

The Treasure Hunt for the $2000 Golden Egg from Beechworth Gold also returns this year. Once again, fortune hunters will have the chance to claim the amazing egg encased in $2000 of gold when they search for clues on a special treasure map of the streets of Beechworth. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn at 12:30pm on Easter Sunday. One of the most popular events of the weekend, 2008 saw thousands of visitors join in the fun, with a delighted local family the lucky winners of the grand prize.

The Food Court in Camp Street also returns with live entertainment including the Australia Fair Grand Concert Street Organ, a travelling concert-organ in the great European style, which produces an amazing sound the equivalent of a 20 piece band.

Museum Victoria’s Discovery Program will be setting up a display of dinosaur bones and fossils, the Old Cranks Car Club will show some classic beauties and the Friends of the Burke Museum will lead a Mystery Tour of Beechworth’s secret and forgotten nooks and crannies. History buffs will also enjoy the fascinating new documentary about the Buckland Valley Goldfield, From the Ashes on the big screen on Saturday night.

Rotary’s huge Easter Craft Market in the Queen Victoria Gardens and the Beechworth Neighborhood Centre’s Paddy’s Market will again offer bargain hunters the chance to pick up some treasure from the stalls crammed with furniture, collectibles and bric-a-brac.

Run for the second year by a local community committee, the Golden Horseshoes Festival annually attracts thousands of visitors to the town. Committee President Kathryn Osmond said while sponsorship support from local businesses had been fantastic this year, organisers were still keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering their time during Easter to help with Parade marshalling, public information assistance, setting up and manning displays.

She urged local groups and individuals to get into the spirit of this great annual event and dress up, join in the treasure hunt, enter a float, buy a raffle ticket or just pull up a chair in the food court and soak up the unique ambience of Easter in Beechworth.

For a full program visit www.beechworthonline.com.au/goldenhorseshoesfestival
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Beechworth Gold Easter Fun Run/Walk

Beechworth Fun Run Entry Form 2009
“This Easter Saturday, join us for a Fun Run or Walk around one of Victoria’s most scenic, historic and best-preserved gold towns.  Enjoy undulating scenic courses using predominantly sealed roads with the best views of beautiful Beechworth’s features including the picturesque Gorge. Download the entry form above. Enquiries to Karen Nankervis on 03-57281924 or bwfunrun@bigpond.net.au”

Venue Beechworth Secondary College (Note new venue from 2009)
The run traverses an attractive circuit course around the outskirts of the township, approximately 10 km. The course is scenic with no hills. The highest point might be a metre or two above the start/finish. There is however a very deep gorge and the views are magnificent. The run is part of the Golden Horseshoe Festival which is held over the Easter weekend and is Beechworth's biggest family event.

FUN RUN TRACK 3km | FUN RUN TRACK 10km

Download 2008 Fun Run/Walk Results

For Fun Run/Walk Information
Please e-mail bwfunrun@bigpond.net.au or phone Karen Nankervis on (03) 5728 1924

Static dispaly of cars and engines or motors of more than 25 years old. Drive around the district visiting different vantage points with BBQ lunch. The 2009 event offers VIntage, Veteran, Classic and Modified Car and Motorbike owners the chance to mix with the locals and fellow enthusiasts for two days dedicated to your total enjoyment.

Having partnered with North East Valleys Food and Wine, and with more than 50 producers exhibiting their wares, the Harvest Celebration in Beechworth is looking stronger than ever before.

To commemorate the outstanding representation from across the region, visitors to Beechworth can delight their senses in the food and wine exhibition on both Saturday and Sunday.

While usually a Sunday only event, the 2009 celebration will be hosted under marquees in the historic precinct on both Saturday 16 May from 10am – 5pm and Sunday 17 May from 10am  - 3pm.

Visitors do not have to book and entry is a gold coin donation.  So why not jump in the car and head to festive, autumnal Beechworth for a day of gourmet delights, entertainment, educational  demonstrations and a buzz of celebration for the farmers and producers who fill our region with a dynamic and colorful richness.

Learn a little...
Not only is there an opportunity to hop, sip and taste from one producer to the next under the marquee, but this year will see the roll out of over 20 producers taking the demonstration stand to show you how to smell, taste and  bake your way into foodie heaven. The line up is still taking shape but so far the schedule is looking fantastic!

Time: 10am onwards
Price: Gold coin donation

Event details visit www.harvestcelebration.com.au

Beechworth Country Craft Markets are now organised by the Rotary Club of Beechworth and are held in Queen Victoria Park, Sydney Road side four times per year commencing at 9am.

Venue: Queen Victoria Park
Times: 9am - 3pm