By LISA DUGGAN THE first weekend in November once again saw the small township of Strathbogie pumping with people and activities in the second running of the now annual Strathbogie “Cup Weekend” Festival. Organisers said they were thrilled with the attendance and the success of the newly introduced market, held on the Sunday of the festival. Saturday, November 2 saw the festival kick off with a well-attended croquet session and high tea luncheon held at the magnificent Fernside Croquet Courts. Attendees were treated to instruction from local Dennis Taylor, before forming teams of four who unleashed their inner competitiveness and sense of fun. The Euroa Ladies Croquet Team were in attendance in force as usual. The addition of Pimm’s and Bubbes along with the scrumptious High Tea Luncheon catered by local business Café 56 saw all enjoy not only a day of fun but dining as well. Winners of the “Best Dressed In All Whites” awards were thrilled by the vouchers donated by Café 56. After a brief break in activities the festival continued Saturday evening at the Strathbogie Memorial Hall with a Bush Dance featuring the Briagolong Bush Band. With over 130 in attendance, it sure proved a hit with all, especially the kids and families, who danced the night away. The Strathbogie Recreation Reserve was the focus of the Sunday events, with the inaugural Strathbogie Market running from 9.30am, featuring local businesses, hobbyists and individuals. The organising committee are hoping to expand on this event next year as it contributes to the festival’s aims of promoting local business, our region and attracting much needed tourism. No sooner had the market launched than a tennis tournament run by the re-invigorated Strathbogie Tennis Club got underway, which was well attended my both locals and visitors and attracted a spectator audience. This year saw the children’s sports moved to the morning to avoid the heat as well as the addition of a Ball Handling Clinic and Strathbogie CFA engaging all the children. These sports are always a highlight of the festival and this year had in excess of 45 children participating. The annual dinner and auction for community fundraising was held on Sunday evening and this year saw an Indian theme, catered for once again by a local business, Northern Rasoi. Guests were treated to a three-course, nine-dish Indian feast and there was certainly plenty to go around. Some guests even arrived in traditional Indian dress, which added to the atmosphere. Colin Broughton auctioned off items on the night as well as a silent auction running over the course of the evening. While financials are yet to be finalised, organisers believe over $6000 was raised for community needs and a further $450 for Strathbogie School. This could not have happened without the generous support of local businesses and individuals. As they have done for many years, the Strathbogie Golf Club hosted a Cup Day function on the Tuesday. Not only was a delicious lunch provided but also cup sweeps, putting competition and never to be forgotten the “fishing line” miniature horse races, taken out narrowly by Pat Fuge, defeating his wife, Jane Fuge. These magnificent horses were built by Euroa Men’s Shed and decorated by the Strathbogie Primary School Students. This year the school also made beautiful horse head decorations. Fashions on the filed saw Pennie Beard tie with Jane Fuge in the ladies, Wyne Kelly take out the Men’s, Deb and Rob McKie win the best dressed couple and Donna and Deb take out the Best Dressed Alternative Couple. All in all it seems that the event was successful in its aims of bringing locals and visitors alike together to enjoy a range of fun and social activities, supporting local businesses by purchasing local, showcasing our region and it’s produce, raising funds for community groups and drawing much needed tourist dollars into the region. Organisers are already planning for next year’s event, always looking to improve with some key learnings taken out of this year’s festival. If you are keen to be involved, please reach out to strathbogiecupweekendfestival@gmail.com.
