By Mikayla van Loon
The second annual Lilydale Street Fair is just over a week away with excitement and nerves building for the organisers.
Having grown in size over the last year, main organiser Bec Rosel said although people who attended last year will have an idea of what to expect, there will be some surprises as well.
“I feel like the momentum has really been building, especially in the last couple of weeks with local businesses and sporting groups and organisations really getting on board and putting it on their social media pages and just spreading the word,” she said.
“They’ve been emailing me and texting me with all their fantastic ideas that they’re going to do at their stores and the activities they’ve got planned, so I feel like there’s a lot more vibe.”
The big feature of the day is of course the parade, with even more groups, organisations and clubs walking in the procession.
“The parade’s going to be huge. We’ve got a lot more participants and performers in the parade that I’m really excited about,” Bec said.
“So gymnasts and ballerinas and sporting groups and roller skaters and it’s going be really vibrant.”
Adding to the “atmosphere” this year will also be the six hour performance stage “with a variety of performances from school bands and soloists, dance groups and aerobics groups”.
Also dotted around the Street Fair will be buskers keeping people entertained wherever they walk.
Then on Clarke Street, find the showcase of between 40 to 50 classic cars which will be on display for the community to enjoy.
“It’s going to be a jam packed day, that’s for sure and people will be able to spend plenty of time there with friends and family wandering around, experiencing all there is on offer,” Bec said.
Even if people can’t make it for the full day, Bec said there’s always going to be something to see or do at any point throughout the day.
One of those is spending some time exploring the market stalls and local shops to pick up a few early Christmas presents.
Bec said around 60 per cent of the stallholders will be selling handmade items, while a number of the Main Street businesses will also have special offers for the day.
“It’s always been the point to support local business and that’s why we’ve tried to extend it further along the service road and to get businesses involved that are on the other side of the highway as well.”
Expecting large crowds, Bec’s one piece of advice was to get in early to score a park whether it be near the skate park, at the Marketplace or near the football ground.
“There is plenty of public parking around…so just making sure that people are aware of where they can park but also just to come and support, just get on board and come out and have a great day.
“Bring your family and friends and neighbours and work colleagues and just spend a bit of time in the town and see what is out there. If you haven’t spent time walking around the town of late then it’s a good opportunity to do that.”
The Street Fair kicks off on Saturday 2 December at 10.30am and is on until 4pm throughout Main Street and Lions Park.
