Corowa came alive last weekend for the 42nd annual Federation Festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Corowa. The three-day extravaganza included the Tim Fischer Oration Dinner on Friday night, spectacular fireworks display at RSL Park on Saturday night, and the Grand Parade down Sanger Street on Sunday morning.
The 42nd annual Federation Festival weekend has been hailed a success evidenced by the great crowd numbers and smiling faces across the three-day extravaganza.
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Traditionally held in January each year, the Federation Festival was first held in 1980 and celebrates Corowa’s place in history as the ‘birthplace of Federation’.
Celebrations kicked off on Friday night with the Tim Fischer Oration Dinner at the Corowa Civic Bowls Club.
Federation Festival Director Gary Poidevin OAM said Friday night’s dinner with guest speaker Rosalie Ham was a hit, followed by the Corowa Rotary Club’s fireworks on Saturday in RSL Park and the “fantastic” Federation Festival parade down Sanger Street on Sunday.
Corowa’s favourite pipe player Dylan Forge.
“It was a very successful Federation Festival weekend organised by the Rotary Club of Corowa. People who attended the dinner, the fireworks and the parade all said they had a wonderful time,” Mr Poidevin told The Free Press.
Much to the delight of locals, temperatures remained in the mid 20’s for Sunday’s Grand Parade and monster market in Bangerang Park. Hundreds gathered in the shade to watch the floats and pipe bands come down Sanger Street with vintage cars and colourful floats delighting young and old.
The parade was led by the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch, with local pipe bands adding vibrancy to the atmosphere.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley were also in attendance and took the role of parade judges very seriously as the watched they affair from the Royal Hotel balcony.
Essential Energy sponsored the major prizes for the best floats on show including $1000 for the winning float.
“We cannot thank Essential Energy enough for sponsoring the prizes for our winning floats,” Mr Poidevin said.
Country Buddies were awarded “Best School Float” while Corowa and District Historical Society were crowned “Most Humorous Float” for a second year in a row.
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley and Member for Albury Justin Clancy were spotted on the balcony of the Royal Hotel with the important role of judging the best floats in the grand parade.
The judges were extremely impressed by Gyles Newsagency who created an outstanding float honouring 130 years of business in Corowa. For their efforts, Gyles were awarded “Best Themed Float” in the parade.
Meanwhile, the enthusiastic Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club were awarded overall Best Float for 2022.
Following the parade, locals were able to cool down and enjoy the Rotary Club’s Federation Market in Bangarang Park with plenty of local produce and unique creations.
Federation Festival director Gary Poidevin OAM was ecstatic with the turn out for the Sunday parade.
“In these tough times, it was great to see so many people come out and support the Federation Festival,” Mr Poidevin said.
“A special thank you to people who participated in the parade. It takes time and effort to enter and prepare floats and we are hugely appreciative to those who put their hand up to be part of the fun.”
Ms Ley also gave a shout out to Mr Poidevin for his tireless work creating an incredible event for the community over many years.
“Gary has been part of the Federation Festival for 42 years which is just outstanding,” she said.
“Well done Gary! And well done to all the participants and the Rotary Club of Corowa for continuing to organise this long-standing and wonderful tradition.”
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