Ballan was nearly cleaned out of Mad Hatter tea party costumes and accessories in the lead-up to the town’s autumn festivities.
The annual Ballan Autumn Festival’s quirky theme was brought to life last Sunday by the crowds who rolled into town to enjoy the best food, drink, entertainment and market stalls that Ballan has to offer.
Festival committee vice president Matthew Grindrod said the town had been abuzz for months before the festival – which is now in its 43rd year.
“You can’t help it, there’s something about this year’s theme that makes you smile and it’s infectious,” Mr Grindrod said.
“From the hay bales decorated by the Ballan 1st Scout Group to the, ‘Here, there and everywhere’ sign outside the post office … it’s enough to make you grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat.
“They say we’re all mad here in Ballan and it’s easy to see why.”
A main spectacle from the festival was the Ballan farmers’ market grand street parade and float competition that celebrated various groups from the community.
Other highlights included the Queen of Hearts cake decorating competition, the Drink me drag queen show, the quilting exhibition and the woodchop.
Ballan Autumn Festival Association president Kevin Harper said this year’s engagement from the community “generated a momentum of its own”.
“Support and interest this year has come from as far afield as Beaconsfield,” Mr Harper said.
