With the cancellation of many local events including Cohuna’s annual fireworks display and activities this year due to COVID-19, it hasn't dampened the festive spirit of the community.
With thanks to Federal Govenment funding and the collaborative efforts and drive of The Cohuna And District Progress Association, Gannawarra Council and local community groups a fanfare occasion is set to shine a more positive reflection on what has been a challenging year for everyone.
A New Year’s Carnival will see out the 2020 year that was and welcome in the new year with a festival type event.
Cohuna and District Progress Association Secretary Sonia Wright, in discussion with association acting President Andrew Gibbs (in November), tabled the idea as COVID-19 restrictions were starting to ease.
With the support of the Drought Communities Support Fund, the ball starting rolling for planning the town event for all the community to enjoy.
“With restrictions lifting we thought we should really do something and with a lot of tourists here, what should we do? I got thinking perhaps a carnival as we hadn’t had any shows, so why not! It was then we pulled it all together,” said Sonia.
“With the allocation of some of the funding not used due to the pandemic, it was an opportunity to put foward the idea for a water front event this year.
“It’s a three-day COVIDsafe event at Garden Park starting at 5pm each day commencing on New Year’s Eve which includes normal show prices for entry and then free rides on Friday January 1, and on Saturday, January 2.
“The reason for Garden Park is to support the traders so hoping people will come earlier and maybe use our pool, use our new beach, go for a walk down the street and look at our shops.
“Some of the shops are going to stay open. There is no food at the carnival because we are encouraging people to pop across the road and spend locally, and to encourage visitors to come for the day or night to Cohuna.
“This event we have managed to find rides that were available and registering it as a COVIDsafe outdoor event we could make it work following all the guidelines.
“The show people have COVIDsafe plans for each and every ride. There are two rides for young children and two rides for the older ones. There are show bags and clowns, with money raised from these being donated back to Progress.
“With the grant money, we were able to have the Lions Club as our COVID-19 Marshalls and the Leo Lions will be doing the rubbish clean up at the end of the night. We are putting money back into community groups,” said Sonia.
“We always have so much on our New Year’s Eve and it was only possible with restrictions easing that we were able to pull this together really fast to make it happen. The council staff have been really supportive. They’ve been fantastic.
For more information about the Cohuna New Years event, go to Cohuna and District Progress Association Facebook page.
