Sun sets on Autumn Festival

Sun sets on Autumn Festival

Published on 28 April 2022

The sun has set on another Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. As the final leaves fall and we begin to settle in for winter, it is timely for us to reflect on this year’s Autumn Festival events and thank everyone involved.

Council is asking local business owners and residents for their feedback on the 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.

This year's festival showcased the incredible talent of Macedon Ranges' artisans and performers, fantastic produce and scenic autumn experiences in the region. Final attendance numbers are still being counted, however it appears the festival attracted approximately 15,000 visitors to events and activities across the shire.

The gentle ‘Gardener’ puppets Roy and Joy shared the gifts of harvest at local farmers markets. While Journey at the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens encouraged visitors to reflect on their passage through nature and their relationship with Country.

Delectable pastry treats were devoured on the inaugural Pie and Tart Trail across the shire. And there were many occasions to move, groove and indulge at food, wine and ferment events, art exhibitions, open gardens, live music gigs and creative workshops held by local businesses across five weekends of festivities.

Local businesses got on board to donate prizes for the festival competitions, which included:

The kids colouring competition, receiving 200 entries, ultimately won by E Hudson aged 10 and Halana aged 11. My Macedon Ranges, where locals shared their favourite experiences of autumn, won by @julienoted_creative. Autumn Wreath giveaway won by business @countryhabit.kyneton and resident @threelittlerams. Autumn Window Shopfront Display won by two businesses @malmsburybakery and @cuttingslifestyle (Woodend). Tart It Up giveaway celebrating flaky buttery delights won by @brownandcoyadventures My Naturally Cool Autumn Adventure – won by Renata Marchionna @renatakatarzyna who will be back in the Macedon Ranges to enjoy a deluxe weekend of experiences donated by local businesses and Oak Tree Cottage in Woodend.

The festival was generously supported by Major Sponsors TCC Realty, Macedon Ranges Home Furnishings, Channel Nine and The Block, in addition to Gold Sponsors Mount Macedon Realty, Watts Fresh and Daylesford Macedon Tourism. The festival also received Victorian Government funding through Visit Victoria's Regional Events Fund and the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund.

Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson was glad to welcome back visitors and see the community celebrating and supporting local businesses after two years of COVID lockdowns.

"There is no better time of year than autumn in the Macedon Ranges, the days are still warm, and there is an abundance of colour and beautiful locally produced food to be shared and enjoyed.

"There was something for everybody at this year's Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, and I hope everyone enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate.

"Council thanks community and businesses for their support, and is now inviting feedback to build on this year's festival and establish the Macedon Ranges as the best place to visit during autumn," said Cr Anderson.

To thank participants for their feedback, all survey entrants will go into the draw to win an annual Hanging Rock Reserve vehicle pass and a bouquet from Woodend Flower Farm.

Your feedback is invited on this year's festival until Sunday 22 May.

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