Crowds celebrate good ol’ country fun at the Erica Country Expo

Excited visitors and locals have flocked to celebrate the Erica Country Expo, a community-led event and the first of its kind to be held in the local region.  

The Erica Recreation Reserve was transformed into a COVID-safe country festival on Saturday with family friendly entertainment, carnival rides, live music and stalls on every corner for attendees to enjoy. 

Locals and visitors from across the State were treated to a wood chop challenge, with world champion Laurence O'Toole stealing the show and creating an electric atmosphere in the heart of Erica. 

Erica resident Michael Briggs was a big fan of the spectacle. “It was great to bring the wood chop back to Erica," he said. "It was a big success and the community thoroughly enjoyed watching the champion and King of the Mountain in action.”

The expo has provided a welcomed vital boost for the local businesses and tourism operators who have faced many disruptions over the last few years.  

With the tourism industry in the Shire’s eastern region still battling the impacts of the devastating bushfires, storm events and ongoing pandemic, this event has highlighted the strength and resilience of the local community and their commitment to economic recovery.  

Committee member and organiser, Bec Closter was proud of the huge turnout to the small country town for the community driven event. “The day was a huge success - especially in light of COVID and being a capped ticketed event. The support received was outstanding and the wood chopping blew me away,” she said.  

Baw Baw Shire Council partnered with the local community planning committee and residents from Erica and surrounds to deliver the Expo.  

All funds raised from ticket sales will go towards recovery and support initiatives for the local community. 

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney 

“It was incredible to see so many visitors and locals show up in numbers to support and celebrate the Erica Country Expo. This community led event has shown just how dedicated and focused our small communities are to work hard to ensure their ongoing viability and recovery from the impacts of disasters. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff who have been involved in the delivery of this amazing event for our region."