Join the fight against Canberra’s postcode prejudice, and visit the Woden Valley this Saturday.
Many of us are quick to taunt Sydneysiders for their unwillingness to travel outside their own postcode; but the invisible borders between Canberra’s suburbs and regions can sometimes be just as pervasive.
However, there’s plenty to be gained if you venture outside your postcode this Saturday and head on down to the Woden Valley Festival.
This Saturday, the good folk of Woden will be throwing open the virtual doors to their Valley, welcoming those of all coats and colours for The Carnival from 10am.
Head on down to Eddison Park, grab a bite to eat and a cool drink, and enjoy a full agenda of music and entertainment including Party Gravy, Fresh Funk, Canberra Men’s Choir, Canberra Youth Jazz Orchestra and the not-to-be-missed 60 Acts in 60 Seconds Circus Special.
Wander at your leisure through the markets (a great opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support local businesses), and take part in a heritage walk or even a cemetery tour!
There’s free face painting and the ever-popular petting zoo for the young or young-at-heart, as well as displays of BMX riding, skateboard coaching, art, craft, and much more.
And lest your competitive spirit desert you altogether, the inaugural Canberra Circus FunLympics will be a real highlight! If you’ve ever wanted to try unicycling, juggling, hula hooping, diabolo or the classic egg-and-spoon race, this is your chance. The games are open to everyone regardless of skill level – so enter to compete, don’t take yourself too seriously, and you might have a shot at some great prizes.
Finally, if spectating is more your style, there’s also the Young Snappers competition for budding young photographers. Kinder to Year 12 students from all over Canberra are invited to capture the vibe of the day in pictures, with the best to be posted here on The RiotACT for a public vote to determine the winners.
The Carnival is the culmination of the week-long festival of activities, competitions, gigs and community projects that is the Woden Valley Festival. It’s also your last chance to get involved and support the hard-working community organisations and volunteers behind the event.
The 2012 festival was celebrated by 200 performers, 80 volunteers, 60 competition entrants and around 8,000 people who came to enjoy it all, and organisers are hoping to build upon those numbers this year.
Rain, hail or shine, the show will go on. So whether you hail from the inner north Lentil Belt or travel up for the weekend from Tuggeranong, if you’re a Kingston latter-sipper or a Braddon hipster, there’s really no better time to venture out of your ‘hood and check out the best that the Woden Valley community has to offer.
To find out more, visit the website at www.wodenvalleyfestival.org.au or contact Woden Community Services on 02 6282 2644.