Ballarat Swap Meet 2012

The Ballarat swap meet is on again for 2012 at the Ballarat airport on the 25th and 26th February 2012. The Meet is being conducted from 2012 onwards by the combined Rotary Clubs of Ballarat. 

This two-day swap meet attracts over 2000 site holders, and 20,000 people to Ballarat each February.

General Public entry fees are $10.00 per day or $15.00 for a weekend pass.

Entry for children under 15 is free.

Further information available: Here

Australia Day - Lake Wendouree Thursday January 26th 2012.

5 - 9pm, followed by a Fireworks Spectacular on the Lake Wendouree foreshore, between Pipers and the McDonald Bandstand.

Celebrate what’s great at the annual Australia Day Celebrations at Lake Wendouree opposite the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy some time with family and friends at the Festival main stage, grab a snack, bring a picnic but don’t forget the camera to take that perfect family snapshot for the fridge at the ‘Great Australian Face Space’ installation series.

As night approaches, enjoy the 3BA Power FM Skyworks Spectacular that will once again light up the night sky with a fantastic display of fireworks.

Australia Day activities will feature:

• FREE Entry
• Dry event / Alcohol Free Zone
• Live music & performers on stage from 5pm – mix of local and regional talent
• 3BA / Power FM Skyworks Spectacular (from approximately 9pm)
• Live Radio broadcast from the event in the lead up to the 3BA Power FM Skyworks Spectacular
• Food and beverages available for purchase including:
  
  • Coffee / tea / hot chocolate / cold drinks
  • Community BBQ
  • Ice Cream & Snow Cones
  • Vegetarian menu options
  • Snack foods – hot chips, nachos, hot dogs, donuts etc.
  • The ‘Great Australian Face Space’ – photographic opportunity
  • Aussie flags to wave

Cycling Australia Road National Championships

Known amongst Australia's elite cyclists as "the Nationals", the Cycling Australia Road National Championships attracts a world class field of Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists and of course Australia's Tour de France stars.

Setting it apart from any other cycling event, the Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships is where Australia's finest battle it out to be crowned the National Champion and vie the green and gold stripes to be proudly worn on their jersey throughout the year.

The event comprises the three disciplines - criterium, road race and time trial. Across all three championships, the event incorporates three categories of racing Men's Under 23, Womens and Mens.

Get road side at Ballarat, Buninyong and Learmonth to watch this great event.

Thursday January 5th until Tuesday January 10th.

For further information, click here.

Eureka Carols

Date: Sunday December 18th, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Venue: North Gardens Reserve, Lake Wendouree

Eureka Carols is on again , and event organizers are excited to announce it will be held on the Sunday prior to Christmas at the North Gardens Reserve, Lake Wendouree. A captivating array of local artists are sure to have everyone enjoying the Christmas spirit. Headlining the entertainment this year will be multi award winning opera performer Maxine Montgomery, Australian musical theatre identity Luke Tonkin, rising young theatre talent James Kernick, and accoustic singer song writer Paul Mah .

Victorian Opera performer Maxine Montgomery will return home to delight crowds this year. Maxine is the 2004 winner of the Opera Foundation Australia Covent Garden National Opera Studio Scholarship and Robert & Betty Salzer Award which enabled her to study in London for two years. Ballarat theatre fans will also remember Maxine in her many earlier Ballarat Light Opera Company shows.

Luke Tonkin, is an Australian actor , and loves the tradition of coming back to his hometown Ballarat to perform at the Eureka Carols each year. Luke has a string of credits to his name, and is perhaps best known more recently for his Australian tour season performances as the Big Bopper in the hit musical Buddy, and the “Platypus” in children’s production of “Wombat Stew”.

This year there will be local childrens choirs performing including Canadian Lead Primary School, and of course we must mention, that Santa has been invited along to the Eureka Carols stage as well to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

James Kernick, another popular award winning local young talent, played a leading role this year in BLOC Music Theatre production, “High School Musical”, and last year in “Seussical the Musical”.

Paul Mah, local acoustic singer songwriter, gained national exposure on youth radio Triple J, with his “This is Life - Goodbye Stereo” debut album, and continues to move listeners with his brand of heart felt , moody acoustic folk.

Together with other talented local performers, the Eureka Carols will be a great way to get together with family and friends to enjoy the Christmas spirit under the stars. Donations collected on the evening will go towards the 3BA Christmas Appeal.

Further Information: http://www.eurekacarols.org.au

Source: The Ballarat Courier

Main Road Market

Enjoy an afternoon out at Main Road Market with new emerging designers.

Over 40 stall holders selling local produce, crafts, children's toys & clothing, stationery, jewellery and more.

There will be local food, entertainment and children's activities. Cost: Free.

Time: Sunday 11th December. 1pm - 5pm.

Location: Main Road, Ballarat (first block of Main Rd, Bakery Hill)