Lowesdale Public School took out the best float of the parade.
The Town Crier Leo Anic drew plenty of cheers from the crowd.Images by Adrienne Hartnett.
Rotary exchange students proudly wave the Australian and other country flags.Images by Adrienne Hartnett.
From Friday night to late Sunday, Corowa’s Federation Festival was “wonderful the whole weekend” according to Rotary Club of Corowa organisers.
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“It was absolutely brilliant the whole weekend. To sit down and read all the compliments on social media about it was very satisfying,” festival co-ordinator Gary Poidevin OAM told The Free Press.
The Corowa RSL Sub Branch and bagpiper Dylan Forge leading the Federation Festival Grand Parade down Sanger St.
“Everything we put on they enjoyed. People were needing some great, fun entertainment and they got it.”
The fireworks in the RSL Park opposite Club Corowa – the major sponsors - on Friday night drew a huge crowd.
While numbers attending the Ball on Saturday night at Corowa Rugby Club were down on previous years, those attending “had a wow of a time” according to Mr Poidevin.
“The effort put in by the Rural Fire Service and Corowa Rugby Club to run such a great event as this was second to none.”
People loved Sunday’s street parade which had 22 entrants.
“People took to the shade early but really came out, lining both sides of Sanger Street to admire and applaud every entrant,” the festival co-ordinator said.
“There was the great range of what Corowa is proud of, and with colour and atmosphere.
“We brought the tourists to town and Rotary had to pay tip fees to remove the rubbish. It would have been great if Federation Council’s Australia Day celebration did not clash with our street parade.”
The competitive spirit was evident, with $1,500 in shared prizes for the best floats motivating participants to bring their A-game.
The Corowa and District SHE Shed again excelled with their Magic Mountain turning heads during Sunday’s parade.
After meticulous judging, the winners were announced:
Federation Festival Grand Parade Winners
Best Float: Lowesdale Public School
Best School: Lowesdale Public School
Best Themed: Body Basics Dance Studio
Most Entertaining: Corowa She Shed
Best Effort: Wahgunyah Speedway Club
The Federation Museum’s unique Thurston the Magician themed float.
The Corowa and District Car Club brought our some unique vintage vehicles for the parade.
The youngest member of the Wodonga Brass Band.
Australia Day 2025 got off to a truly great start last Friday with the 10th anniversary of Rotary’s conducted Tim Fischer AC Oration. Coverage of the big night, with one champion speaking about another champion, will appear in next week’s edition of The Free Press.
The brilliant marching bands from Albury, Wodonga and Wangaratta added to the festive spirit.
The parade was again enjoyed by people of all ages.
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