A Lowesdale Public School student waves to the crowd.
“One of the best festivals in many, many years!” declared Gary Poidevin OAM, encapsulating the spirit of the Rotary Club of Corowa’s 44th annual Federation Festival.
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The Grand Parade on Sunday stole the show, drawing the largest crowd in many years and rekindling the town’s passion for community, creativity, and celebration.
The festivities, spanning from January 26 to 28, kicked off with the Rotary Federation Dinner and Tim Fischer Oration on Friday night.
Dancing Queens: The Corowa and District SHE Shed pulled out all the moves in Sunday’s parade.
Local identity Gary Poidevin OAM graced the stage, sharing the poignant story of his father, Gordon George Poidevin OAM, a former Prisoner of War and dedicated community man.
Saturday night transformed RSL Park into a spectacle of lights as Griff’s Pyrotechnics, generously sponsored by Club Corowa and Rivalea, lit up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks display.
Many spectators dubbed the 10-minute show as one of the best the town had ever seen.
The newly installed Town Crier drew plenty of cheers from onlookers.
Despite a slightly lower attendance, the Federation Ball held at Corowa Rugby League Ground on Saturday night drew praise from those in attendance.
Mr Poidevin acknowledged the well-run and managed event, thanking volunteers for their significant contribution to the overall success.
The highlight of the festival unfolded on Sunday with the Grand Parade, capturing the essence of community unity and artistic expression, kicking off with a 9am Ecumenical Service in Bangerang Park, led by the Corowa Anglican Parish’s Mother Jane.
Corowa’s own exchange student Niamh Lavis back in Corowa after her year abroad in Sardinia.
Leading the procession was the Corowa RSL Sub Branch, accompanied by none other than Dylan Forge on the bagpipes.
Marching bands, vintage and restored cars, tractors, and over a dozen community clubs, schools, and organisations paraded down Sanger Street in perfect summer conditions.
The creativity displayed by participants was nothing short of extraordinary, with elaborate costumes, dazzling colours, and meticulous attention to detail turning the parade into a kaleidoscope of artistic expression.
Hundreds of people lined Sanger Street on Sunday morning for the Rotary Club of Corowa’s Federation Festival Grand Parade, marking a triumphant returned to the beloved annual celebration.
Floats ranged from whimsical designs to historical re-enactments, each representing a unique facet of Corowa’s diverse community.
Cheers and applause resonated from onlookers, reaching a crescendo when the Corowa and District SHE Shed danced their way down the street to the tune of Dancing Queen, adorned in vibrant tops, cardboard tool cut-outs, and creative headpieces.
Lowesdale Public School showcased their creativity with a float titled “We go to Rio,” featuring colourful balloons and students and staff donning carnival wings.
The Corowa Rowing Club’s spectacular float, adorned with a throne of oars, rainbow fans, and balloons, was also a showstopper.
The competitive spirit was evident, with $1000 in shared prizes for the best floats motivating participants to bring their A-game. After meticulous judging, the winners were announced:
Best Float: Corowa Little Athletics
Best School: Lowesdale Public School
Best Themed: Corowa Rowing Club
Most Entertaining: Corowa She Shed
Having been involved in the festival since its inception in the 1980s, Mr Poidevin expressed his overwhelming emotions at the massive turnout on Sunday.
The Corowa Rowing Club’s showstopping float was crowned ‘Best themed float’ in the parade.
“I was that bloody excited with the people that were there,” he said.
“It was back to the old days when we used to attract hundreds of people. The effort that was put in for the floats with the decorations I thought were as good as any Moomba float! I was so pleased with the turnout.
“The market following the parade was packed with people- it was just great.”
Mr Poidevin attributed the success of the parade to the dedication of Rotary Club members, highlighting Deb Rowe, who took charge, and her husband Guy Rowe, who announced each float as they made their way down the street.
He praised the Rotary Club for their sustained effort, mentioning that the parade’s future had been in question in recent years, but the resurgence demonstrated its enduring appeal.
“For the last five or six years, it was almost questioned if the parade would go ahead,” he said.
“The Rotary Club said they’d give it another year, and thankfully, it has picked up again.
“The community has demonstrated that they want this tradition to continue and to see people enjoying the parade and the effort put in shows that our effort is paying off. I am so proud of the Rotary Club of Corowa.”
Khaki Vehicle’s making their way down the main street, ahead of next month’s Corowa Swim In.
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The Corowa Federation Little Athletics Centre loved being part of the parade.
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The youngest member of the Wodonga Brass Band.
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Body Basics Dance Academy were right into the carnival theme.
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The brilliant marching bands from Albury, Wodonga and Wangaratta added to the festive spirit.
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Corowa Historic Vehicle & Machinery Club Inc. featured prominently in the parade.
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Anthony Black in his recently restored 1975 XB GT Ford Falcon.
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Beautifully restored vintage cars are always a highlight of the parade.
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The Corowa RSL Sub Branch and bagpiper Dylan Forge leading the Federation Festival Grand Parade down Sanger St.
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After a washout last year, the Rotary market on Sunday was packed with people.
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Rotary exchange student Annic Arnold proudly waves the Australian and Swiss flags from Rotarian Wally Cann’s fancy red car.
Mr Poidevin expressed his satisfaction with the entire festival weekend, highlighting the brilliant fireworks on Saturday night and the overall fantastic success for the club.
“Friday night was a wonderful night, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and were all very social, Saturday night, great again, and Sunday was just fantastic.”
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