Festive spirit: Despite the inclement weather, Sanger Street was buzzing as floats, pipe bands and community groups made their way down Sanger Street for the Federation Festival Grand Parade on Sunday.
The Rotary Club of Corowa’s 43rd Federation Festival was a resounding success packed with exciting events, including the Tim Fischer Oration on Friday night, the fireworks in RSL Park on Saturday night, the B&S Ball and the Grand Parade and monster markets on Sunday.
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Despite the rain on Sunday, the Grand Parade was a standout event of the festival, with around 30 entrants making their way down Sanger Street.
The “Royalty” themed parade was filled with colourful floats, lively band music, and enthusiastic participants, including three local schools: St Mary's Primary School, Lowesdale Public, and Corowa Public School.
As per tradition, the parade was led by the Corowa RSL Sub Branch with local musician Dylan Forge on the bagpipes.
Parade organiser Deb Rowe said the Rotary Club was pleased with the overall day.
“We had a fantastic turnout. It was great to see so many people come out and support the parade, even with the wet weather,” she said.
“The rain held off for most of the parade thankfully. It was really wonderful to see all the participants embrace the ‘royalty’ theme.”
The judges had a tough time choosing the winners, but in the end, Corowa Public School took home the award for Best Float. St Mary's was named Best School, and Lowesdale Primary was awarded Best Theme.
One float that caught the eye of the judges and the crowds was the one from the Corowa Historical Society. The float was a hit due to its witty take on the festival's theme of royalty, with Beth Tidd dressed as the Queen and serving marmalade sandwiches to Paddington Bear. It was no surprise that the Corowa Historical Society won the award for Most Humorous Float.
“The Rotary Club would like to thank the participants of the parade and the community for supporting the parade. These things cannot happen without community support.”
Following the parade, many locals braved the wet conditions to enjoy the wonderful monster markets with the pipe bands even doing a recital.
The Grand Parade was a fitting conclusion to a fantastic weekend of festivities and a testament to the mighty community effort of the Corowa Rotary Club.
B&S Ball attracts 600
The Corowa Rotary Clubs Bachelors and Spinsters Ball attracted around 600 people from as far as Adelaide to Brisbane to the region over the weekend looking to be part of the annual bush tradition.
The event was held at the Corowa Cougars Rugby League Ground with entertainment from Emily Hatton and No Plans.
Organiser Gary Poidevin OAM said it was a “fantastic ball”.
“We had a new set up at the airport which worked really well. It was good to have the ball back to some normality this year after covid.
“I would like to thank the Rotary Club members who assisted with setting up and organised the Corowa Cougars, the RFS and the Corowa Search and Rescue Squad for their assistance.
“Everyone put in 110 per cent which is what made it a great success.
“We also look forward to working with Federation Council in the future to ensure the event continues to be a success.”
St Mary’s Primary school students blowing bubbles into the crowd.
Queen of the parade Beth Tidd waves to the crowd.
The princes and princesses of Corowa Public School.
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The Corowa Historic Vehicle and Machinery Club brought some interesting vehicles to the parade.
Wodonga Brass Band providing great sounds.
Bridie, Andrej and Cooper all representing the Rotary Youth Exchange.
Grand Parade organiser Deb Rowe and Rotary Club of Corowa President Stephen Apps enjoying the parade from the ‘Royal’ balcony.
