Kidsfest 2015

KidsFest is proudly presented by Greater Shepparton City Council

Sndat19 a Sun 20 September

10 am to 4 pm both days

For the full program, times and prices please visit our website www.sheppkidsfest.com.au

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Festival entry at SPC KidsTown

ONLY $2

7287 Midland Hwy, Mooroopna Phone 5831 4213

per person

KidsFest sponsors

Entertainment

Page 2—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Welcome It is very exciting to welcome you to EE KidsFest. theFR 10th rvice from

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we still have by far the best value children’s festival in Australia.

With a minimal entry fee of $2 and lots of free activities, entertainment and events during the two days, there is plenty for families to enjoy.

Our figures indicate nearly 16 000 people visited KidsFest last year and attendance has grown since it first started.

About 40 per cent of these visitors are from outside the Greater Shepparton area which is fantastic for our local tourism and business community.

Greater Shepparton City Council is proud to provide SPC KidsTown as a not-for-profit facility.

KidsTown relies There is so much to do on duringsponsorship, the school holidays in Greater Shepparton 19 September 4 October grants and donations, and- our generous volunteers who have played a significant part in the success of KidsFest and in looking after our facility during the year.

We hope you enjoy your visit to KidsFest this year and look forward to seeing you return many more times.

— Dennis Patterson, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dennis Patterson and KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy cut the birthday cake at the launch of the 10th KidsFest.

Good golly, Polly wants a selfie Don’t be surprised if a giant parrot swoops in for a hug or tries to sit on your shoulder during the September school holidays.

She won’t ask for a cracker — but she will want a selfie.

Those who snap a selfie with Polly the Parrot at KidsFest or any of its umbrella events during the school holidays will be in the running for a host of great prizes.

Polly will be a roving attraction at the two-day KidsTown event and will make surprise appearances at some of the pirate-themed festival’s umbrella events held throughout Greater Shepparton.

Festival organisers want children to snap a selfie with Polly and send it to KidsTown’s facebook page with the hashtag #KidsFestKidsTown.

The larger-than-life pirate’s mascot is the newest addition to Sheppartonbased business Enchanted Rainbow

Entertainment which has organised a treasure chest of activities and entertainment for the festival period.

“We will have roving entertainment at KidsFest,” Enchanted Rainbow owner Shelley Davis said.

“There will be a fairy locked up in a cage by a giant pirate, a stilt walker, a pirate riding a giant bee, deckhand pirates and a crazy “selfie” pirate who will at times accompany Polly the Parrot,” Ms Davis said.

Paid events will include face-painting and glitter tattoos.

Enchanted Rainbow Entertainment will also run a variety of free craft activities sponsored by businesses as part of the KidsFest umbrella events. These include:

A fairy locked up in a giant pirate’s cage will be a novel sight at KidsFest.

Riverside Plaza, Kialla Tuesday, September 22 to Thursday, September 24, 11 am to 2 pm: Make a pirate sword or fairy wand.

September 29 to October 1, 11 am to 2 pm: Make a pirate–themed snow globe.

Maude St Mall, Shepparton Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24, 11 am to 1 pm: Pirate-style balloon activities.

Saturday, September 26, 11 am to 2 pm:

Help build a giant pirate ship using cardboard boxes, plus make a pirate patch to take home.

Monday, September 28, Wednesday, September 30 and Friday, October 2, 11 am to 1 pm: Pirate ship craft.

Marketplace, Shepparton Monday, September 28 to Saturday, October 3, 11 am to 2 pm: Craft workshops including fairy wings and pirate hats.

Polly P ll th the P Parrott h has h her picture i t fframe ready d ffor th the Kid KidsFest F t selfi lfie competition. titi Sh She is pictured with some of her pirate peers from Enchanted Rainbow Entertainment, Dea Beale, Bronwyn Frinder, Shelley Davis, Indie-Rose Davis, 3, and Eva-Rose Davis.

Our cows love KidsFest!

Check out the newest member of the MooovingArt herd at KidsFest !

Great MooovingArt Round-Up 19 September to 4 October 2015 Explore Greater Shepparton’s MooovingArt herds, track down answers to the clues and go into the draw to WIN an iPad Mini, valued at $350.

A treasure hunt for cows!

Entry forms available from 19 September at the Visitor Centre, 33 Nixon Street, Shepparton

For MooovingArt information go to www.sheppartonmooovingart.com.au or contact the Visitor Centre, 33 Nixon St, Shepparton, phone (03) 5832 9330

Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre proudly supporting KidsFest for 10 years!

The staff and volunteers of Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre have been delighted to be part of the growth of KidsFest over the past 10 years.

Look out for the yellow “i” at this year’s KidsFest where we can help you discover the region’s amazing attractions and packed event calendar.

Follow us on social media

#discovershepparton Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre 33 Nixon St, Shepparton (opposite Queens Gardens) | Open every day 9am to 5pm Phone 1800 808 839 | www.discovershepparton.com.au

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 3

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Crew has party shoes on for birthday bash KidsFest, one of regional Victoria’s largest outdoor children’s festivals is celebrating its milestone 10th birthday in 2015.

The two-day event, staged at SPC KidsTown adventure playground is expected to attract up to 17 000 people, including visitors from throughout Victoria and interstate for an action-packed weekend of activities and fun.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said the festival targeted children aged from two to 12 years and their families, offering entertainment, educational programs, sport and craft.

A full program of events, centred around this year’s theme of pirates, has been compiled and promises plenty of opportunity for the whole family to be involved.

Ms Toy said KidsFest was first held in 2006 with the original brief to promote healthy, family fun and the right mix of entertainment. Visitor numbers continue to rise each year.

“KidsFest operates in the same way as KidsTown, there’s a $2 entry fee and most of the entertainment is free. Some of the rides and activities have a fee, there is also food available for sale,” Ms Toy said.

Roving pirates and a giant parrot named Polly will wander through the crowds, happily posing for photos and promoting the various events during the weekend.

Ms Toy said 40 000 promotional flyers would be distributed to schools in 16 municipalities across Victoria to encourage families to consider Shepparton as a family friendly school holiday destination.

“Our surveys tell us that many of the people who attend are repeat visitors.

They know the date is the first weekend of the school holidays and they lock-in that weekend for KidsFest,” Ms Toy said.

Local businesses, sporting organisations and community groups fill trade stands and catering sites, raising their profiles and much-needed funds.

“We have a limited number of sites

The KidsFest crew is ready for pirate fun at the festival’s 10th birthday. Pictured are (back) Jenna Neville, co-ordinator Tracey Toy, Kim Mansell and Sara Niglia, (front) Graham Walkden and Steve Wilson. Picture: Ray Sizer

and we like to have a diverse range of food stalls. It’s great to have the money generated stay within the region,” Ms Toy said.

The main stage, located in the amphitheatre will host SpongeBob SquarePants, Peter Pan, the Ronald McDonald and Friends Show, the Party Pirates and troupes from the U Can Dance studio.

Teenagers haven’t been forgotten, there’s a dedicated area of rides and two sideshow alleys and for the sportsminded there is a beach volleyball arena, tennis, gymnastics and hockey

ture: Julie Mercer

tor Tracey Toy. Pic

KidsFest co-ordina

“The looks on the kids’ faces are beautiful, they are so happy that their parents play and join in. That’s the highlight for the kids and those memories will be lasting.”

Tracey Toy activities and an obstacle course.

Face painting, kids craft, a piratethemed photo booth, demonstrations

by Woodturners of the Goulburn Valley and Farmer Darryl’s mobile animal farm

are all part of the program.

Ms Toy said KidsFest was a great family event that encouraged parents to actively play with their children.

“The looks on the kids’ faces are beautiful, they are so happy that their parents play and join in. That’s the highlight for the kids and those memories will be lasting,” Ms Toy said.

“We are overwhelmed by the community support for KidsFest, from our generous sponsors, business and our volunteers.

There is always great excitement around the event.”

– Sharon Wright

A pirate on stilts will be among the roving pirates to entertain the festival crowds at the two-day event at KidsTown.

Page 4—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Fun times are bigger and better The original five-day KidsFest program may have been shortened in its 10-year history, but the number of people now attending the weekend event has swelled.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said the inaugural event, in 2006, attracted about 5000 visitors; this year up to 17 000 people are expected for the 10th birthday festivities at SPC KidsTown adventure playground.

Ms Toy has been involved in organising the family festival since its inception and said one of the challenges was ensuring the program continually evolved to offer new and exciting attractions to encourage families to return each year.

Singer Ricki Lee Coulter, fresh from Australian Idol rocked the inaugural KidsFest and Neighbours’ favourite Ryan Moloney, who plays ‘Toadie’, was the 2006 ambassador.

In subsequent years, superheroes, the stars of Ice Age and Shrek, Junior Masterchef’s Lucy Bonanno, Bob the Builder, Ben 10, Fifi and the Flowertots, the Simpsons, Minions and Charlie Bear have taken to the KidsFest stage in the KidsTown amphitheatre.

Each of the 2015 entertainers; SpongeBob SquarePants, Peter Pan, Ronald McDonald and friends and The Party Pirates have elements of this year’s theme, pirates, incorporated in their acts.

Ms Toy said the original KidsFest brief was to build an event to deliver the core KidsTown message of promoting active

fun for children and their families.

“We saw there was a gap in activities for children in that September/October school holiday period and the weather at that time of year is conducive to an outdoor family event,” Ms Toy said.

“KidsFest is a great event to launch the school holidays and many families have that date locked in every year.”

She said KidsFest had generated an estimated $6.6 million boost to the local economy in the past nine years with visitors booking accommodation, eating out, shopping, refuelling their cars and taking in other attractions.

The event also offered a platform for local businesses, community groups and sporting organisations to raise their profiles, fundraise and increase memberships.

“We could not stage KidsFest without the strong support from our sponsors.

Within the community there is so much excitement, it’s a valuable event to showcase what we have to offer in the Greater Shepparton region,” Ms Toy said.

– Sharon Wright

KidsFest will have entertainment for children of all ages.

Shepparton’s Noah Sabri, 4, and Addison Sabri, 2 enjoy a ride at KidsFest 2014.

“KidsFest had generated an estimated $6.6 million boost to the local economy in the past nine years with visitors booking accommodation, eating out, shopping, refuelling their cars and taking in other attractions.”

Tracey Toy The animal farm is set to be a popular attraction again at KidsFest.

Free bus transport for festival With limited parking available at SPC KidsTown, the Greater Shepparton City Council is offering a free bus service on the KidsFest weekend.

Departing KidsTown at 9 am, and every hour thereafter the courtesy bus will make stops at Queen’s Gardens, Wyndham St, Shepparton (Harris Scarfe, Parklake and Video Ezy), Riverside Plaza and McLennan St, Mooroopna.

Zi i Bartlett, B tl tt 6, 6 off Shepparton Sh t att last l t year’s ’ ffestival. ti l Zirconia

The total sporting team package Now you can score all your trophies i and engraving, i sports uniforms if and embroidery i needs in the one specialist shop

Your club can look like pros

Congratulations KidsFest on 10 years.

We cover everything for your sporting club including . . .

• • • • • • • •

Tennis shirts Cricket uniforms Soccer uniforms Embroidery Screen printing Medals and plaques Trophies and engraving Promotional products; stubby holders, sport drink bottles

Come in and see what we can do for your club this season

MITRE 10 MOOROOPNA AND KIDSTOWN

A Proud Partnership Mooroopna Mitre 10 are proud to be associated with KidsTown and congratulate them on 10 years of KidsFest.

No matter if you’re a tradie, budding handyman or Sunday gardening guru, Mitre 10 have you covered with everything for the inside and outside of your home… AND MORE… Come in and see our experienced team at Mill St, Mooroopna, we are sure to have exactly what you’re after.

MOOROOPNA 27 Benalla Road, Shepparton Ph: 5831 1944 www.qualityteams.com.au

Council advises festival-goers to drive to a central location, park in an all-day car park, and use the bus to get to and from the event.

Children aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and prams are welcome.

The last bus departs KidsTown at 4 pm, with the final drop-off in Mooroopna at 4.45 pm.

For a full bus timetable, visit sheppkidsfest.com.au

7 MILL ST, MOOROOPNA

PH: 5825 4660

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 5

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What started out as a bit of fun for a small group of friends has grown into a worldwide phenomenon known as International Talk Like A Pirate Day. That the date, Saturday, September 19, coincides with day one of KidsFest’s 10-year birthday celebrations was a revelation for event organisers.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said a pirate theme had been chosen for the 2015 event and while googling piraterelated activities, they had stumbled across a website advertising the international day.

“We didn’t even know such a day existed but it fits with our theme so well,” Ms Toy said.

Visitors to KidsTown on that weekend are encouraged to dress in pirate gear, practise words and phrases more commonly heard on the high seas and track down the giant parrot Polly who will be roving around.

“We’re asking people to take a selfie with Polly and go into the draw to win some great KidsFest prizes,” Ms Toy said.

Shepparton Toy Library members will also have a photo booth set up with pirate costumes and props for people to dress up in.

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Friendly pirate Rowan Simpson from It’s Party Time Jumping Castles is looking forward to the pirate party at the 10th KidsFest.

Picture: Ray Sizer

Pirate Pi t li lingo If you’re planning on dressing in theme for this year’s KidsFest, you may wish to practise your pirate-lingo in readiness.

Here are some pirate-speak basics, and their translations, to get you started.

Ahoy — Hello.

Avast — Stop and give attention.

Aye — I agree.

Aye aye — I will address that immediately.

Arrr — Another word for “I agree”.

Beauty — The best possible pirate address for a female, usually preceded by “me”, as in “me beauty”.

Hornpipe — Both a single-reeded musical instrument sailors often had aboard ship, and a spirited dance that sailors do.

Land lubber — The seaman’s version of land lover.

Me hearty — A good friend.

Ahoy land lover Cleaves is proud to have supported the KidsFest for the last 10 years.

Open 7 days

• Sand & soil • Mulches • Mushroom mulch • Decorative pebbles • River stones • Rocks • Premium top soil • Soft fall (for kids playgrounds) • Large range of sleepers including new concrete sleepers • Retaining walls • New range of decorative pavers • With over 70 products to choose from you’ll want to take your time

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

20 Wanganui Road, Shepparton Phone 5821 2111 www.cleavesgardensupplies.com.au

Page 6—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Bop Till You Drop entertainers will return to the big stage at KidsFest after their show’s popularity last year.

Pirate party on big stage Ahoy matey! A pirate party will hit the deck at KidsFest and children of all ages are invited.

catchy songs for the audience to learn, sing and dance to.

The line-up of children’s entertainment on the main stage will sing and dance to the tune of the festival’s pirate theme.

The festival is renowned for its live entertainment and organisers are expecting performers at the festival’s 10th anniversary celebrations to again delight big crowds.

Headlining acts during the two-day event will be: The Party Pirates; SpongeBob SquarePants; The New Adventures of Peter Pan; Bop Till You Drop; and the Ronald McDonald and Friends Show.

Patchy the Pirate will tell stories from Bikini Bottom, a collection of SpongeBob SquarePants’ favourite underwater adventures.

SpongeBob Square Pants

The New Adventures of Peter Pan Children, parents and even grandparents can be a part of something new, exciting and magical with this performance.

The performers will take the audience on a trip down memory lane to Neverland, the fairytale island where all children’s dreams come true.

The Party Pirates

Bop Till You Drop

Sydney children’s entertainers The Party Pirates bring a show of humorous stories, mysteries, adventures and

This high-energy show returns to the KidsFest stage after its popularity at last year’s festival.

Bop Till You Drop will return to the main stage at this year’s KidsFest. Audience member Bianca Mannix, 7, had her moment in the limelight with the popular performers last year.

Shepparton Show Me main stage program Saturday, September 19

Kids can bop to their heart’s content with karaoke, dancing and interactive games.

Bop Till You Drop has operated in Australia since 1996 and features professional entertainers with an array of talents.

The interactive show gives children the chance to feel like rock stars and to request and sing along to their favourite songs on a professional microphone.

Parents are welcome to film and photograph their child’s moment of stardom.

10.45 am: Bop Till You Drop

Ronald McDonald and Friends Show

11.30 am: SpongeBob SquarePants

Through the wonder of song and dance and the magic of friendship, the entire family will be swept up into a fun and joyous McDonald’s adventure.

12.30 pm: The Party Pirates

Shows on the main stage are a popular attraction for festival-goers at KidsFest.

11.30 am: The New Adventures of Peter Pan 12.30 pm: The Party Pirates 1.30 pm:

U Can Dance

2.15 pm:

Bop Till You Drop

3 pm:

The New Adventures of Peter Pan

Sunday, September 20 10.45 am: Bop Till You Drop

1.30 pm:

Ronald McDonald and Friends Show

2.15 pm:

Bop Till You Drop

3 pm:

SpongeBob SquarePants

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 7

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

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There will be plenty of rides and entertainment at KidsFest, including pirate jumping castles, camel rides and a ferris wheel.

Fun for teens too While KidsFest is aimed at children up to the age of 12, the teenagers haven’t been forgotten.

A dedicated Teen and Family Zone has been declared and will be filled with rides and activities for the older age group.

Carnival rides including dodgem cars, jumping castles, Spiderman rockwall, flying chairs, balloon ride, the disco, paratrooper, laughing clowns, inflatable work obstacle course, bumper boats and inflatable pirate ship will add to the entertainment program.

A giant 30 m ferris wheel will return and is a great place to get a birds-eye view of the festival activities.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said it was important to offer something for older family members who often accompanied their younger siblings to the event.

A selection of show bags will be available to buy and tickets for the rides can be purchased from ticket booths dotted around the venue.

Pre-sale ride tickets can be purchased from the KidsTown café or at any of the KidsFest ticket boxes at the festival.

s&F t a H e t a Pir with s e i t i v i t c – Craft a Rainbow ed Enchant pm

11am – 2

www.sheppartonmarketplace.com.au @sheppartonmarketplace /sheppartonmarketplace

Page 8—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Lego creations on display Lego, the activity for all ages, will feature at the KidsFest 10th birthday celebrations.

Two rooms near The Connection have been set aside for Melbourne-based company Ratz Brix to display its intricate original creations.

Director Karryn Prain-Madden has been a Lego devotee since she was a young child and draws inspiration for her designs from places she visits and people she meets.

About 20 interactive, motion and static displays will be transported to SPC KidsTown including the life-size ‘Ratz Clownz’, a creation that includes 31 173 bricks and took 350 hours to build.

Visitors can have a go placing ping-pong balls into the mouth of one of the four clowns, as well as view the behind-the-scenes mechanics.

In keeping with the KidsFest pirate theme, ‘PiRatz’ is a captivating visual display featuring a swinging pirate ship ride, set on top of a Lego mountain with a working Lego waterfall and Lego water circulating from the top of the mountain to the bottom.

More than 10 000 bricks and 100 hours of work went into the intricate piece.

Other items created in Lego include a ferris wheel, dodgem cars, railway, pool table, Vegemite jar, a pair of thongs, flowers and mosaic portraits.

A play area will be set aside for visitors to make their own Lego structures and Karryn and her partner Jacqui Prain-Madden will be available to answer questions or explain how the displays work.

Entry fee for the Ratz Brix Lego display is $5 for those aged over four. Tickets can be purchased from ticket boxes at KidsFest.

Lego displays which have taken n thousands of bricks and hours to build will be on display at KidsFest.

Children have the chance to enter a treasure trove of competitions during the KidsFest period.

Prizes include a handmade miniature KidsTown picnic table, VIP double passes to meet and greet entertainers and a KidsFest pirate pack.

Win Win Win Pre-KidsFest: Colouring competition: • Download a colouring page of your favourite character from the KidsTown Facebook page, the KidsTown website or grab one from the KidsTown café.

• Colour in your character, and then follow the instructions on the colouring page to submit for your chance to win family entry to KidsFest and a double VIP meet-and-greet pass.

• VIP meet-and-greet passes give you the chance to meet the character you coloured in and a chance for your parents to take a photo of you with them.

• Competition closes Friday, September 11.

Radio competition: • Listen to Star FM and 3SR. • Win family entry to KidsFest and a double VIP meet-and-greet pass.

VIP meet-and-greet passes give you the chance to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Peter Pan or The Party Pirates, Ronald McDonald and friends and a chance for your parents to take a photo of you with them.

Post KidsFest: Selfie competition:

Rueban Shirnack, 7, and Willow Shirnack, 5, test the Polly the Parrot selfie competition first prize, a miniature KidsTown picnic table. Picture: Ray Sizer

• Stay tuned to Star FM and the KidsTown Facebook page to see where Polly the Parrot and the pop-up pirates will be appearing throughout Shepparton during the school holidays.

• Festival organisers want children to snap a selfie with Polly and post it on the KidsTown Facebook page with the hashtag #KidsFestKidsTown.

• First prize is a miniature KidsTown picnic table handmade at KidsTown and valued at more than $500.

• Take a selfie with Polly the Parrot and you could win a KidsFest pirate pack.

• Competition closes Monday, October 5.

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 9

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Page 10—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

It’s all hands on deck for volunteers The smooth running of KidsFest is assisted by the many dedicated volunteers who give up their time to help, not only on the weekend of the festival but before and after the event.

About 150 volunteers, easily identifiable with their bright T-shirts, help visitors find their way around and answer questions.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said without the volunteers the festival could not offer the variety of free and fun entertainment.

“Many of our volunteers come back year after year, they love the experience,” Ms Toy said.

Roles include set-up and packup, ticketing, meeting and greeting visitors, picking up rubbish, parking and traffic control, arts and crafts program, hospitality, catering and serving in the lolly shop, face painting, woodwork, trains and general administration.

“There are so many ways people can help, depending on their interests,” Ms Toy said.

“Volunteering is important, especially for young people and it can give them

the confidence they need when looking for part-time work.”

“Over the years I’ve seen a number of our volunteers come through; they start out very shy and timid and to see their growth and self-confidence develop over time is rewarding.”

Ms Toy said KidsFest volunteers were all ages and from various backgrounds and interest groups.

Volunteers must be 14; those older than 18 must have a valid Working with Children Check, which can be completed online and is free.

Ms Toy said her daughter, Alice Biddle,

14, was volunteering for the first time this year.

The Year 8 Wanganui Park Secondary College student has always enjoyed KidsFest as a participant and is excited to volunteer at the 10th birthday celebrations.

An induction program and support is offered to each participant and they will receive a thankyou certificate and letter, T-shirt and refreshments and lunch throughout the day.

To volunteer, visit www.sheppkidsfest. com.au – Sharon Wright

Magic sprinkled in pirates’ cove A fairy has been waving her magic wand in the orchard outside the SPC KidsTown café.

Volunteer Susan Parnell has been busy transforming the playground’s orchard into a fairy and mermaid garden in time for the 10th anniversary of KidsFest.

The fairy and mermaid garden forms a pirates’ cove in keeping with the festival’s pirate theme.

Ms Parnell has been mixing her passion for permaculture design, organics, companion planting and edible landscaping to create the magical orchard.

She has under-planted the orchard’s variety of fruit trees with companion plants and installed fairy-style butterfly feeders.

“We are expecting the orchard to be flowering by the festival,” Ms Parnell said.

The gardening enthusiast will also decorate the blossoming trees with magical art pieces, fairies and mermaids to create the garden wonderland in time for the pirate-themed festival.

The garden is sponsored by new Shepparton business Delightful Rainglow which sells fairy gifts and trinkets from its Star Bowl Arcade shopfront.

Ms Parnell volunteered to create the fairy garden after running a one-year program called The Bloomers Garden at SPC KidsTown.

The Bloomers Garden created social inclusion and interaction for about 40 adult migrants and refugees who

KidsFest volunteer Susan Parnell will transform the KidsTown orchard into a pirates’ cove.

landscaped new gardens at KidsTown under Ms Parnell’s guidance.

Ms Parnell, who also runs the kitchen garden program at Bourchier St Primary School, enjoyed the one-year KidsTown program so much, she volunteered to

create the fairy garden for KidsFest.

“It was amazing being in the garden and speaking to people from different backgrounds and learning about their culture.

“I loved it when they smiled and how

we had things that made us happy in the garden to share.”

Ms Parnell is now looking forward to seeing the smiles on children’s faces and inspiring a new generation of gardeners in the pirates’ cove wonderland.

The Aquamoves team would like to congratulate our friends at KidsTown on ten very successful years of KidsFest!

Congratulations on 10 years!

We love being involved in such a great community event 6-10 Keppel Street, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 9100 E: gvpartyhire@bigpond.com W: www.gvpartyhire.com.au ‘Goulburn Valley Party Hire’

ENSURE YOUR KIDS ARE SAFE AROUND WATER! Enrolments are now open for our term swimming lessons

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• fitness • confidence • safety • coordination • fun

Enrol now by phoning 5832 9400 Lessons available to everyone 6 months and older

Aquamoves is proudly provided by Greater Shepparton City Council.

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 11

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Age no barrier to jumping on board At 85 years old, Brian Reeves is the oldest — and quickest — volunteer at KidsFest.

For the past five years the octogenarian has been the first person off the mark to sign up as a festival volunteer.

KidsFest co-ordinator Tracey Toy said Mr Reeves usually dropped into SPC KidsTown to register his availability before the official callout for volunteers.

“Each year I know it is coming up, so I go see them at the office and ask them what days do they want me,” Mr Reeves said.

Often dependent on an oxygen tank, Mr Reeves’ volunteer role involves welcoming families to the event from his own table inside the gate.

“I sit there and hand-out brochures once they come through the gate,” Mr Reeves said.

“I answer their questions and send them on their way.”

Ms Toy said she was inspired by Mr Reeves’ dedication to volunteering.

“When I asked him why he wanted to volunteer he said ‘It beats sitting at home looking at four walls,’ ” Ms Toy said.

“Brian is a great example of how

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people of all ages can give back to the morf eci community. !anpoorooM &vres sub notrappehS “He sits at the gate with his oxygen tankk n o t r a p p e h S r e t a e r G n i s y a d i l o h l o o h c s e h t g n i r u d o d o t h c u m o s s i e r e h T and shows that there is no excuse for nott volunteering.” rebotcO 4 - rebmetpeS 91 Mr Reeves is no stranger to volunteering and KidsFest is just one of the many events and causes he has donated his time to during the past 60 years.

“I’m full-time with the Freemasons, I’ve been with the Core of Commissions for 30 years, I’ve been volunteering with the RSL for 40 years and then every other little thing that comes along,” he said.

“Volunteering came naturally. If something needed to be done, or if someone needed help, I would go and do it, no arguments.”

Mr Reeves encouraged others to volunteer, not just at KidsFest, but also in n Brian Reeves will be among the crew the wider community. of pirate volunteers at KidsFest.

“It gives you the satisfaction of knowing g you’ve helped someone,” he said.

Mr Reeves shows no signs of slowing down with plans to return to KidsFest for as long as he’s able to.

“Volunteering came naturally. If something “If I’m still around, I’ll be there,” he said. needed to be done, or if someone needed “I’m only 85, so I’ve got a couple of help, I would go and do it, no arguments.” years to go.”

Brian Reeves – Taylah Burrows

Proud to be a supplier to SPC Kids Town HAPPY 10TH KIDSFEST!

Hire options available BOSS HOGS HOT DOGS SYSTEM INCLUDES: -Free on-loan steamer -Frankfurters -Hot dog rolls -Special event hire available -Hot dog bags -POS Signs

Don’t miss out on a delicious hot dog at this year’s KidsFest Mob: 0412 692619 E: bosshogsouthern@optusnet.com.au For more information visit www.bosshogssouthern.com.au

Congratulations KidsFest on celebrating 10 Years

School Holiday Fun! WEEK 1 September 22, 23 and 24, 11am – 2pm

Pirate and Fairy Themed Craft ft Kids, come and make and decorate your very own sword or wand

WEEK 2

FREE

September 29, 30 and October 1, 11am – 2pm

Pirate Pi i t and Fairy Themed Snow Globes Create and take home your own pirate or fairy snow globe It’s all FREE thanks to Riverside Plaza and the girls from Enchanted Rainbow.

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Entertainment

• FormulaE Go Karts • Darkzone Laser Tag • Rock Climbing • Balladium and Bungee Run E N T E RTA I N M E N T C O M P L E X

(03) 5823 1224

• Mini Golf and Motion Thrill Rides • Amusement Machines and more!

8025 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla.

RiversidePlazaShepparton

Free Undercover Parking

Page 12—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Festival is a tourism boost ® ld a Ronald McDon & Friends helping KidsFest celebrate 10 years of entertaining children

KidsFest has contributed substantially to the region’s economy in its almost decadelong history and last year an estimated $730 000 was spent by visitors to the festival.

Greater Shepparton City Council leisure facilities team leader Steven Wilson said KidsFest was an important part of the Shepparton festival agenda, in part because of its ability to draw people from outside the region.

He said surveys conducted last year indicated about 40 per cent of the 16 000-strong KidsFest crowd were visitors to the City of Greater Shepparton.

Mr Wilson said it was hoped that a portion of those visitors would extend their stay beyond the weekend event to enjoy the many family-friendly attractions in the area.

Accommodation, retail and food operators reported increased trade and sales during KidsFest and Mr Wilson said inquiries from businesses and individuals to be involved in future years suggested they viewed

the event as a valuable platform to promote themselves.

He said council’s continued support of KidsFest aimed to elevate the event as a children’s festival of state significance as well as boost the region’s reputation as a destination for families with children of all ages.

Mr Wilson said the more than 50 additional programs and entertainment activities, conducted as umbrella events of KidsFest throughout the two weeks of the school holidays, broadened the interest base for families beyond just a children’s event.

He said future KidsFest events could be conducted over at least two weekends to further extend the length of stay of visitors and give even more businesses and organisations the opportunity to be involved.

Mr Wilson said KidsFest could not be staged as a relatively low-cost event for families without the support of volunteers and the dedicated staff at SPC KidsTown adventure playground.

Ronald McDonald® & Friends Show Sunday 20th September 1.30pm on Main Stage at KidsFest

About 40 per cent of the 16 000-strong KidsFest crowd last year were visitors to the City of Greater Shepparton.

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 13

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20

Wooden toys still turning fun Children can again step back in time at KidsFest in the popular Woodturners of the Goulburn Valley pavilion.

More than 20 of the group’s members have collectively spent 720 hours making wooden toy kits for children to build at this year’s event.

The group, which has a 127-strong membership, is looking forward to its 10th appearance at the festival and, from experience, knows its pavilion will be a hive of activity.

More than 900 kits for a variety of toys have already been made by the group during working bees since April.

President Len Taylor said children of the modern age still enjoyed the chance to make something from timber and members got a thrill from giving youngsters the experience.

“Kids are pretty good with their thumbs on a keyboard, but give them a hammer and nail and you can see some have never had that experience,” Mr Taylor said.

“A lot of kids are very good at it; and they all feel proud to make something they can take home.”

The kits have pre-drilled nail holes

and are designed for boys and girls of different ages and abilities.

The projects, ranging from simple glueing to nailing, take most children about 10 minutes to complete.

A team of woodturners will be on hand to help children assemble their kits, while other members will turn out novelty items on lathes for youngsters to take home.

“We make small rolling pins and baseball bats and burn their names into the timber using a special technique called pyrography,” Mr Turner said.

“We get a lot of people from outside of Shepparton who come in and a lot of parents and grandparents will say that they have never seen anything like this festival before.”

The toy kits which are being stockpiled for children to make include swans, rabbits, pigs, fairy wands, cars and tool trays.

“One year we prepared 400 tool trays, and they all went,” Mr Taylor said.

“We are ready for these to be the most popular toy again.”

Entry to the woodturning pavilion is a gold coin donation which will be forwarded to the group’s nominated charities, Hospice Care and Shepparton Search and Rescue.

W dt lb V ll president id t L l Woodturners off th the G Goulburn Valley Len T Taylor and a team of enthusiasts have spent more than 720 hours preparing toy kits for children to assemble at KidsFest.

Finer Fruit are proud to be associated with KidsFest – We congratulate them on their 10-year anniversary

is proud to have supported Kidsfest for the past 10 years.

We encourage families to come along and enjoy this year’s event!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.kidstown.org.au ‘SPC’ is a registered trademark of SPC Ardmona.

T: 5831 1378 35 Vaughan St Shepparton

Page 14—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

Umbrella events

Under the Sea pool party A mermaid will splash into the school holidays with children at the Aquamoves’ Under the Sea pool party on Thursday, September 24.

The magical sight of the mermaid swimming in the heated indoor pools is sure to delight young children during the party from 10 am to 2 pm.

Lifeguard Savannah Bergamin has her mermaid costume ready and will don her tail while running waterbased activities.

The Under the Sea pool party is an umbrella event of KidsFest, and aptly links with the festival’s pirate theme.

Pool party-goers who dress-up in an Under the Sea costume will have the chance to win a three-month summer

pool membership. Judging will be at 11 am.

Other prizes up for grabs during the pool festivities will include swim passes and merchandise packs.

Aquamoves management said there would be plenty to entertain holidaygoers including the giant inflatable Torpedo Topple, rapid river, waterslide and Tarzan rope.

Catering will be available at the barbecue and the centre’s café.

Pool admission is $5.80 adults (16 years and over); $3.80 children; and $2 spectators.

While the car park is under redevelopment, alternative parking around the facility is available. Visit www.aquamoves.com.au for updates.

Savannah Bergamin will look the part as a mermaid at Aquamoves’ Under the Sea pool party.

Free CBD Fun program returns to mall If you are looking for free and fun activities to entertain the kids these school holidays, check out the CBD Fun program provided by Greater Shepparton City Council and Shepparton Show Me. Council is again offering free school holiday entertainment during the September school holidays with a program of fun activities for primary school-aged children in the Maude St Mall, Shepparton.

The entertainment includes a pirate ship jumping castle, kite making, themed slides and giant games.

CBD Fun is a council-managed school holiday program run three times a year in the Maude St Mall area of Shepparton. pp

The program has been a popular attraction in the heart of the city’s central business district with its hands-on programs, entertainment and activities for children.

The program runs during the Easter, mid-year and spring school holidays and is supported by council’s investment attraction department and Shepparton Show Me. To keep up-to-date with what’s on, check out the council website events page at http:// greatershepparton.com.au/ annual-events and Facebook.

The CBD Fun program in the Maude St Mall during the school holidays will feature pirate ship jumping castles and pirate activities for children.

School Holidays

September 19 – October 4

Jungle Adventure Slide Combo Jumping Castle

Saturday, September 19

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Acoustic performers

Saturday, September 19

10.30 am–1.30 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Monday, September 21

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

A-Hoy Matey Large Pirate Ship Jumping Castle

Tuesday, September 22

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Pirate-style balloon-making activities

Tuesday, September 22

11 am – 1 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Wednesday, September 23 10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Pirate-style balloon-making activities

Thursday, September 24

11 am – 1 pm

A-Hoy Matey Large Pirate Ship

Thursday, September 24

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Friday, September 25

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

A-Hoy Matey Large Pirate Ship

Saturday, September 26

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Acoustic performers (Eppo Sloots)

Saturday, September 26

10.30 am – 1.30 pm

Help build and decorate a giant pirate ship and make a pirate eye patch to keep

Saturday, September 26

11 am – 2 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Monday, September 28

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Make a pirate ship

Monday, September 28

11 am – 1 pm

A-Hoy Matey Large Pirate Ship

Tuesday, September 29

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

GVFL grand final press launch

Tuesday, September 29

Make a pirate ship

Wednesday, September 30 11 am – 1 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Wednesday, September 30 10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Thursday, October 1

10.30 am – 2.30 pm

Make a pirate ship

Friday, October 2

11am – 1pm

Pirate Super Slide Fun House Jumping Castle

Friday ,October 2

10.30am – 2.30pm

A-Hoy Matey Large Pirate Ship Jumping Castle

Saturday, October 3

10.30am – 2.30pm

Week 2

‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015—Page 15

Umbrella events

Flavour to savour at food festival Celebrate the diversity and culture within Shepparton at the St George’s Rd Food Festival on Sunday, September 27.

Tantalise your tastebuds by sampling cuisine traditional to the different ethnicities that make up the City of Greater Shepparton community, enjoy cooking demonstrations and purchase international ingredients to take home.

Last year’s inaugural event was a celebration of Shepparton’s multicultural society and attracted hundreds of people who enjoyed food, music, performances and art, along with a community soccer match with Victoria Police and emergency services members.

The 2015 food festival, held as an umbrella event of KidsFest, will once again see the St George’s Rd shopping strip closed to traffic with stallholders and traders setting up in the street to create a carnival atmosphere.

As well as building awareness of the diversity of cultures in Shepparton, the food festival provides visitors with a unique and exciting experience and gives the friendly St George’s Rd traders an opportunity to share their stories.

Greater Shepparton City Council, Word and Mouth, Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, The Bridge, Shepparton English Language Centre, headspace, Yorta Yorta and UnitingCare Cutting Edge are working together to run the event.

The St George’s Rd Food Festival will be held from 11 am to 4 pm and entry is free.

For updates, visit the event’s Facebook page.

EERF

morf eci

!anpoorooM &vres sub notrappehS ehS retaerG ni syadiloh loohcs eht gnirud od ot hcum os si erehT

rebotcO 4 - rebmetpeS 91

Organisers, volunteers and performers are looking forward to welcoming thousands of families from across Victoria to the pirate-themed 10th KidsFest at SPC KidsTown on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. Picture: Ray Sizer

Congratulations to a wonderful team of staff. KidsFest has gone from strength to strength over the years. Well Done!

Join in the fun! Discover the sport or program for you at the stadium.

Ph 5832 9480

See you there

Congratulations on 10 years of kidsfest

www.sheppstadiums.com.au

Congratulations KidsFest on celebrating 10 years Dedicated to keeping workplaces electrically safe and sound.

No job is too big or too small!

If you’d like a free quote, get in touch with our friendly team by calling 0488 215 589.

Work for the Dole Australia is proud to partner with Kidstown to help job seekers learn new skills to improve their chance of finding a job whilst contributing to a fantastic community facility.

Contact your local Work for the Dole Coordinator today to discuss running a Work for the Dole activity.

Rachel McHugh T 0407 184 059 E rmchugh@ workforthedoleaustralia.com.au Ross Meeking T 0407 325 959 E rmeeking@ workforthedoleaustralia.com.au

workforthedoleaustralia.com.au

Page 16—‘KidsFest 2015 10th Anniversary’, September, 2015

s so much to do during the school holidays in Greater Shepparton

19 September - 4 October

Thank you!

Thank you to all of the KidsTown and KidsFest sponsors, volunteers and staff that have contributed to KidsFest over the past 10 years.

Without the countless amount of hours that our volunteers have given, this event would be not be what it is today. So THANK YOU and we hope you enjoy KidsFest 2015!

From the KidsFest committee KidsFest proudly presented by Greater Shepparton City Council