Discover My Ballarat

Spring Creek Organics - Certified Organic Vegetables

2015-06-26T04:05:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I find little gems in Ballarat and here is one that I want to share with you.

Recently my friend was raving about a business called Spring Creek Organics who grow and sell certified organic vegetables. Rachel showed me her vegetables and I was impressed with her collection.

Now to be totally honest with you, I don't normally buy organic vegetables. However, this time I was curious and just had to check it out. I went for a drive with the family in tow one Saturday afternoon. Out through Eureka Street we drove, out to Navigators just outside of Ballarat. On the way out to the farm, you cross over this gorgeous old bluestone bridge. I believe the trip was worth it just to see that bridge! After a few turns we pulled up at the farm gate where nearby there was this cute little portable building, with the gorgeous veges inside.

Now just to warn you. Don't get caught out! Make sure you take change (small notes and coins) so you can pay the exact amount of cash as there is no change. This arrangement relies on an honours system, as no one mans the shed. Make sure you write in the book what you have bought and how much, and then take your pickings with you after making your payment. Here is my gorgeous collection of vegetables including pumpkin, spaghetti squash, turnips, beetroot, daikon radish, carrots, brussel sprouts and potatoes.

Certified Organic Vegetables from Spring Creek Organics

Can you guess what I have cooked? A nice lamb and vegetable soup was first on the menu. We had gorgeous roasted beetroot in the Webber one night and I can't wait to make my spaghetti squash recipe that was displayed at the shop (add butter, garlic, parsley or basil to the baked squash - yummo!!).

A variety of pumpkins

Inside the Spring Creek Organics Farm Gate Shop

Certified Organic Vegetables straight from the farm to you!

My verdict? Worth the drive to Navigators to pick up some vegetable goodness!! It was also worth the drive to see the gorgeous scenery and spend time with the family. It is great for kids to see where food comes from.

Kielys Road - Open 7 days
For a map of how to get there visit the Spring Creek Organics Facebook Page

2013 City of Ballarat Christmas Street Party - Friday 6th December 5.30pm to 8.30pm

2013-11-26T02:16:00.002-08:00


Christmas Street Party 2012

FREE family activities and stage entertainment; tasty food options plus of course plenty of Christmas atmosphere!

Kids Activities include Christmas Bag Making, Festive Biscuit Decorating, Finger Puppet Decorating, Reindeer Hat Making, Christmas Mask Decorating, Letters to Santa…and much much more.

Enjoy Live Music, Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts Dance Group, The Kazoos and one of Santa’s favourite kids entertainment groups…the Mighty Buzzniks!

Dress as your favourite Christmas Character for your chance to win spot prizes.

Shop at the Pop Up Shop Ballarat which will be open during this event.

Location: Camp Street, Ballarat

Pop Up Shop Ballarat

2013-11-26T02:09:00.003-08:00

Gold Rush Mini Golf & The Amazing Mill Markets - Ballarat

2013-10-02T18:26:00.002-07:00

Hole in one!

This week, my gorgeous family of four visited Gold Rush Mini Golf and The Amazing Mill Markets. Mini Golf is a great family activity and at Gold Rush Mini Golf, they have both an indoor and outdoor course (both 18 holes), so that you can play regardless of the weather. I can proudly say that I scored the best this time round and my 6 year old Sean got a hole in one!
The indoor course can get a little scarey for the youngsters with it's glow in the dark parts, big gorilla, dinosaurs and pirattes, but we just encouraged our almost 2 year old to go on and we helped her have her turns. I am looking forward to better weather to use the outside Gold Rush course this Summer. It looks great.

Did you know that Gold Rush Mini Golf also has an Arcade room, outdoor seating with BBQ facilities, function/conference room and 30 seat cafe with fire place? Well it does! Plus they also provide tourist information for those visiting Ballarat.
Once we left Mini Golf, we walked across the gravel road to the Amazing Mill Markets where they have Australia's largest mix of collectables, retro fashions, antiques, vintage, industrial, art & home decor and jewellery. I was amazed and interested at the things we saw. In some stalls, it was like stepping back in time. There are so many stalls all undercover and they even have a cafe if you want to spend some time there. I came home with a nice little piece for my coffee table and I will definetly go back there again.

If you are interested in visiting, here are the details:

The Amazing Mill Markets - Ballarat
9367 Western Hwy, Warrenheip
Ph: (03) 5334 7877 http://www.millmarkets.com.au/

Next Door is Gold Rush Mini Golf Ph: (03) 5334 8150 http://www.goldrushgolf.com.au/

Family Book Lunch by Learning that's Fun - Sunday 4th August 13 (2-3pm)

2013-08-02T23:41:00.001-07:00

A visit to the Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market - July 13

2013-08-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy day, but that did not stop residents and visitors from visiting the Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market last weekend at St. Patricks Hall, Ballarat. I bribed the kids so I could do my 'bloggy' thing. I said, "If you are good and let mummy do her 'work', I will get you Maccas and let you play on the playground". That seemed to work just nicely.

The Jack 'n' Jill Children's Market is full of gorgeous handmade, unique and boutique children's products. We had a nice time wondering and browsing. It was so clear, the time and effort that is placed into making these products. I picked up a few goodies for myself and enjoyed speaking to the lovely business owners who were more than happy to share information on their craft. The vast product range is a great credit to the market coordinators. It is nice to go to a market that has variety.

I took so many photo's at the market. It has been lot's of fun going through them all and picking out the best. I hope you enjoy.

Sammi's Hand Made Hair Accessories
Featuring a wide range of character & non character hair accessories for your princess
https://www.facebook.com/SammisHandMadeHairAccessories

HOT PRODUCT! No not my son Sean, the Kutter!
Kiddies Food Kutter - "The knife that Cuts Food Not Fingers"
Safety Food Peeler also coming soon - order now!
http://kiddiesfoodkutter.com.au/

PVC Covered Nappy Wallet with detachable change mat.
Boy, Girl and Neutral Fabrics Available
https://www.facebook.com/NeetnTidy

Kids polar fleeced lined jeans & matching jumper by Fionsy Few Clothes
https://www.facebook.com/FionsyFewClothes

Personalised Super Hero Capes by Fionsy Few Clothes
https://www.facebook.com/FionsyFewClothes

Roma Lily Handmade by Alisa
Original, one of a kind children's gifts...wall arts, cushions, softies and personalised products
https://www.facebook.com/RomaLilyHandmade

Play! Fun for little ones
Making fun handmade things for little ones.
https://www.facebook.com/PlayFunForLittleOnes

Spots on Blocks
Decorative blocks. They are gorgeous! Large range of patterns available
https://www.facebook.com/Spotsonblocks

Spots on Blocks
Customised blocks. Add your favourite photo and choose a pattern. Great gift idea!
https://www.facebook.com/Spotsonblocks

Carman and Craven
Unique paper crafts, cards and gifts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carman-Craven/369087076472849

Jewellery made for mummas to wear and babies to chew.
https://www.facebook.com/MummawearBabychew

NEXT MARKET - Sunday 13th October 2013 (10am to 4pm)
St.Patricks Hall, Cnr of Sturt St & Daswson St Ballarat

Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/JacknJillChildrenMarket

More more information on holding a stall at this market email: jacknjillchildrensmarket@gmail.com

All photos were taken with permission and remain the property of 'Discover My Ballarat'. Every effort has been made to acknowledge all artists/designers of the above products correctly. If you know of any errors, please email discovermyballarat@hotmail.com Thank-you to Glenda for welcoming me to the market. I enjoyed talking with the stall owners, it was great to meet you all. Unfortunately I cannot list all stall owners on my blog. However, I may see you at another market.

Winter Soiree (Saturday 7th September 2013, 7pm) - Ballarat & Queen's Old Grammarians' Association

2013-07-28T23:34:00.001-07:00

Help Dani - Ride to Conquer Cancer

2013-07-16T04:50:00.002-07:00

'Learning that's Fun' Book Launch - Sunday 4th August 2013 at 2pm

2013-07-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

Dear readers, you're invited to the 'Learning that's Fun' Book Party Launch at Eastwood Leisure Complex (20 Eastwood Street, Ballarat) on Sunday 4th August 2013 from 2 - 3.30pm.

Written by Louise Jones, this self-funded, self-published book 'Learning that's Fun', is a small book with a BIG message. A message that we can all find joy & learning opportunities in everyday life. Tutoring can be expensive and every child's needs are different. Sometimes the system just lets us down. This book tells personal stories, provides real life examples and simple, low cost, easy ideas and activities to make learning fun at home!

On the day of the book launch, enjoy:

Earl Leonard - Music for Kids Show
Raffles
Goodie Bags
Snacks & Drinks
Discounted copies of the book on the day!

For an exclusive 20% off online discount on the book Click here

For more information you can go to:

Website: www.blossomlearning.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/learningthatsfun

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lkbusija/learning-that-s-fun/

School Holiday Idea - Happy Jacks Play World

2013-07-04T04:20:00.002-07:00

I had a lovely afternoon at Happy Jacks Play World with the two kids today. My son quickly made friends and got lost in the playground having a ball. My youngest daughter had a play in the toddler play area for (0-3 years) and then went head first down the Jumping Castle slide. Little dare devil. She laughed all the way down. Next, I took her down the big slide and the child in me came out. We had to do it again!

If you want to have some fun with the kids indoors during the winter weather or are visiting Ballarat, it is always nice to pop into Happy Jacks Play World for a play and a bite to eat in their cafe.

Location: 1 Icon Drive, Delacombe

Phone: (03) 5332 0146

Website: www.happyjacksplay.com.au

Another day in Ballarat on a quest for discovery - Guest Post by Craig Thatcher

2013-06-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

A regular follower of 'Discover My Ballarat', Craig Thatcher was back in Ballarat to visit us again. What did he get up to this time?

Another day in Ballarat on a quest for discovery

This time around we discovered Kryal Castle. On the rainy day that it was, the jousting was cancelled so a weapons display was set into the program. It was quite good, and all the kids loved it, but I must admit the visit was not quite what I had expected. To be honest, I felt that Kryal Castle is targeted towards children, more than adults. The characters were playing with the kids in sword fights and having a ball doing it I would say. The fun for the adults came in the form of a “pull apart table”. In fact I had the pleasure of making my best friend several inches taller, by tying ropes to her arms and legs and then yanking. Lots of fun and highly recommend it!

To fill the rest of the day we decided to visit M.A.D.E (Museum Australian Democracy & Eureka). It was absolutely brilliant and the learning experience was just fantastic. The voyage starts with the Eureka uprising, and follows through time looking at the greatest speeches ever spoken including Nelson Mandela, Enid Lyons, Winston Churchill, Paul Keating, Martin Luther King and so many more. Its all based around one single premise and delivers in immensely powerful images and thought provoking words. The original Eureka flag is also on display. Returned to it’s home and birthplace. It’s quite fitting as M.A.D.E is build on the site the Eureka rebellion, and the flag takes centre stage in a darkened room and glass case. It’s quite humbling to think of what the flag represents and the event that the flag was the centrepiece to. I found myself sitting there just looking at it, thinking of the history and significance of it. It’s quite a powerful thing to be in the presence of. Sadly nearly 40% is now missing. Over the years the flag had been chopped up and the pieces given away like a trophy to friends of the family who owned it. What is left has been preserved quite literally thread by thread and saved for the rest of it’s days. If you are pondering a day in Ballarat then M.A.D.E must be on the to do list. It’s just brilliant!

Last but not least we finished the day at the Golden City Hotel in Sturt Street. It's the fifth time I have been there as the food is perfect every time and the atmosphere is just great. Meals range from the “parma” to the most exquisitely presented meat dishes. It’s really hard to beat and it won’t break the bank. The perfect way to end a visit to Ballarat.

Every time we visit it gets harder to leave and one day we won’t. With any luck it will be sooner than later. We love exploring the area which is so rich in history and beauty. It is rapidly becoming a place to call home.

Author - Craig Thatcher - 18 June 13

Next Jack n Jill Children's Market in Ballarat - July 28th (10am - 4pm)

2013-06-19T02:59:00.002-07:00

The next Jack n Jill Children's Market is to be held on Sunday 28th July 2013 from 10am to 4pm at St.Patricks Hall, Cnr Sturt & Dawson Street, Ballarat. Selling high quailty handmade items. Over 40 plus stallholders for the July market!! Free entry. Fundraisers from 'Support 4 Cancer' will be there raising money to support children dealing with cancer. A raffle will also be held on the day to raise money. Win a cot quilt!

Welcome Fairy Bella to Ballarat!

2013-05-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome Fairy Bella to Ballarat!

How did you move into the area of performing at children's parties?
I grew up with my family in Perth and from a young age I developed a love for performing. I started working in a Fairy Shop that hosted parties and was constantly asked by parents about doing 'at home' parties. After discovering that there was quite a big market for this kind of entertainment I decided to start up a little business of my own. After just appearing at a few parties, word began to spread and with very little advertising my name began to grow just through word of mouth. After developing quite a following Perth, this year I moved to Ballarat to continue my studies in Performing Arts, and so Fairy Bella has moved with me!

What do you love about children's parties?
I feel so privileged to be asked into people's homes to help them celebrate their special occasions. The parties I remember most as a child are the intimate parties created at home with love by my parents, and I aim to help make these moments even more special.

What do your parties involve?
A child's imagination is so special and my aim is to help keep the magic real for as long as I can. My Fairy Parties are full of singing, dancing, magic, games and many more surprises. Through years of experience I have developed a program that keeps children entertained, but I will also work closely with each parent to make sure I create a unique party for each special event. Whilst I specialise in Fairy Parties, I also offer Ballerina Parties for older children (5+) and I offer face painting.

How can parents contact you?
My website is www.fairybellaperth.webs.com
Contact number: 0430 407 293

Facebook Page - Click Here

Nicole (Fairy Bella)

Photo used with permission from Nicole (Fairy Bella)

Visiting Sovereign Hill by Craig Thatcher

2013-05-28T18:55:00.003-07:00

Thank-you to my regular blog follower Craig Thatcher who wrote this post for you all on his recent visit to Sovereign Hill. Enjoy!

Today I had a very special experience at Sovereign Hill Ballarat. We were able to participate in the “Make Cancer History Walk" which was a 2km or 4km walk around Sovereign Hill and Blood on the Southern Cross. Walking around Blood on the Southern Cross was such a very special experience that very few have ever had the chance to experience by day. I'm so glad that we were given the opportunity, especially with all the proceeds going towards cancer cures.

I have been to Sovereign Hill twice before and once to Blood on the Southern Cross just a few months ago. Each time I have had very special experiences for different reasons. This time was different! Not only did we have that very special experience in Blood on the Southern Cross, but also undertook a great amount of learning of where Sovereign hill started and how many volunteers give up two weeks a year of their to be part of it for no other reason than they love to be part of the history behind it, and enjoy the friendships they have made there.

During our visit we went into the candle making shop, where young children were learning something that is not commonly taught in schools these days. They had plain candles pre-made for them and were able to learn about prime colours and how when combined, can make another colour. I remember doing this when I was in primary school, and thought it was wonderful that this basic thing was being taught again. These kids loved every moment.

I came across “Lizzy” the peacock who found a warm place in front of the fire in the café, much to the delight of the kids that were around, and if I’m honest to my wife and I too.

I met a volunteer who talked about the costs associated with the day to day running of the site. He mentioned that from the $47 admission fee, only $1 is revenue above the day to day costs which knocked me for six. To be honest, like a lot of people I would have thought it was a money making machine, but the whole thing is run “not for profit” and everything goes towards the cost of preserving history. I know that from today, the next time I visit and hand over my hard earned money I will look at it in a very different manner.

Sovereign Hill to me is a place of history, comradeship, spirit and education. It represents something that should be preserved forever and never to be compromised. The history in this wonderful outdoor museum is very special and to walk through Ballarat, it is obvious that the city has never forgotten and not likely to forget anytime soon. It should be remembered by all Australians as all other fights in history have been, to preserve our freedom and rights in our everyday lives. Sovereign Hill represents all of these things to me and so much more. It will be something I will pass on to my kids when the day comes and hopefully they will do the same with theirs as well. It is the most wonderful experience and a humbling journey of discovery for every person who enters the gates to re-live one of our most important times in our history.

Author - Craig Thatcher - 26 May 13

Some Inpirational Words from the Olympic Precinct at Lake Wendouree.

2013-05-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Don't forget - COURAGE & SPIRIT! (Those photos did not turn out he he)

The Designer Craft Market @ Buninyoung - Next Market 25 May 13. This Weekend!

2013-05-22T20:15:00.001-07:00

Ballarat Heritage Weekend (11-12 May 2013)

2013-05-09T06:10:00.001-07:00

Explore the heritage of our city this weekend, as our beautiful town opens its doors to some of our best heritage buildings. Enjoy tours and an array of entertainment.

For a full list of tours and entertainment, you can pick up a an official event program from the Town Hall or Phoenix Building. You can also visit the website: www.ballaratheritageweekend.com

Margaret's Pick - Horse Trams at Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Wendouree (Sunday 11am - 4pm). Charges apply.

Enjoy!

Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka - LAUNCHES THIS WEEKEND! 4-5 May 13

2013-05-01T18:36:00.001-07:00

This weekend (4-5 May 13) the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) launches, with free entry and activities all weekend! Enjoy a series of speakers, a BBQ, kids activities, stage performances and of course, the museum. Bookings are required to listen to the range of speakers on offer. See the website link below.

Location: Corner of Stawell Street Sth & Eureka Street, Ballarat

Museum Opening Times: 10am - 5pm

For more information on the Launch Weekend visit:
http://www.made.org/WhatsOn/Events/MADEInBallaratLaunchWeekend.aspx

Ballarat & Queen's Old Grammarians' Association Progressive Dinner - 22 June 2013

2013-05-01T04:54:00.001-07:00

I had never heard of a Progressive Dinner until now. Apparently, each course of the meal is held at a different venue. A very interesting concept indeed.

Here are the details of the Ballarat & Queen's Old Grammarians' Association Progressive Dinner which I have been asked to share with you all.

What's on this weekend? (6-7 April 13)

2013-04-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

THE WEEKLY TIMES RURAL LIFESTYLE EXPO (Saturday 6th April 2013)

Discover what a rural lifestyle has to offer! See exhibitors from the main categories including:

Construction
Farm Animals
Organic / Garden
Government and Advisory
Machinery and Equipment
Sustainability
Plants, Seeds and Pasture
Food & Wine

Lot's to see and do!

Time:     9.30am - 5pm
Venue:   Ballarat Showgrounds, Cnr of Howitt Street & Creswick Road, Wendouree
Entry:    Adults - $10, Pensioner - $5, 16 Years and Under - Free entry

For more information: http://rurallifestyleexpo.org.au/

BALLARAT LEGO® FAN EXHIBITION (6th - 7th April 2013)

Enjoy a variety of LEGO® themes and view huge creations built by Ryan McNaught, one of only thirteen certified LEGO® professionals worldwide. Get hands on with a giant brick pile and help build a large city.

Sessions start on the hour to ensure flow through the exhibition, but once you are in, you can stay as long as you wish. Online bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. Only a limited number of tickets available at the door.

Time:      9am - 4pm (last session at 4pm)
Venue:    Ballarat & District Trotting Club at Bray Raceway, Cnr of Bell & Sutton Street, Redan. Enter car park via Bell Street, north side of raceway.
Tickets: $35 Family Block (2 Adult & 3 Children), $10 Single (18 +), $ 8 Child/Concession (4 to    17). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free entry for children under 4 and for Carer Card holders.

Purchase Tickets online: www.trybooking.com/43880

For more information: http://insidethebrick.com/2013/02/25/ballarat2013/

LEGO^®is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies

MARKETS

Sunday 7th April 2013 (8am - 1pm) - Ballarat Market (formerly Trash & Trivia Market)
Ballarat Showgrounds - Cnr of Howitt Street & Creswick Road, Wendouree
Entry by Gold Coin Donation
Huge variety of stalls on offer. Something for everyone!

Have a great weekend!

Harmony Fest - 24th March 13 (12 - 5pm)

2013-03-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday 24th March 13, Ballarat will host Harmony Fest at Alfred Deakin Place, Campt Street Ballarat from 12-5pm). It is a celebration of cultural diversity and what brings us together in our community. Entertainment, international food, workshops, demonstrations, children's activities and markets will all feature.

For a full list of events on the day visit this site: http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/lae/events/harmonyfest.aspx

Enjoy!

Upcoming Markets the Weekend (22- 24 March 13)

2013-03-20T00:22:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of some of the markets that will be happening here in Ballarat this weekend:

Friday 22nd March 2013 (5 - 8pm) at Urquhart Park Primary School
49 Inkerman Street, Ballarat
Entry by gold coin donation in Russell Street.
Jumping Castle, Sausage Sizzle, Giant Slide, Lucky dips, Photobooth, Bric a brac, Cakes, Plants, Craft and much more!

Saturday 23rd March 2013 (9am - 2pm) - The Designer Craft Market at Buninyong
Buninyong Town Hall - Learmonth St (A300) Buninyong
High quality handcrafted items by local talented designers and artists.

Saturday 23rd March 2013 (9am - 1pm) - Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market
Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree
A true authentic farmers market with most stallholders playing a part in the production process.

Sunday 24th March 2013 (8am - 1pm) - Ballarat Market (formerly Trash & Trivia Market)
Ballarat Showgrounds - Creswick Rd, Wendouree
Entry by Gold Coin Donation
Huge variety of stalls on offer. Something for everyone!

Happy Marketing!

Images from Kryal Castle

2013-03-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

On the Labour Day Weekend, I visited Kryal Castle with my family. I bring to you some images from Kryal Castle. The highlight of our visit was the Jousting Tournament. A must see!

New Look Castle Entry

Medieval Decorations

Kids Playground

Chapel - Perfect for Weddings

Jousting Tournament

A knight on his horse

Another knight on his horse

Winner of the tournament

Kryal Castle's Maze

For information about Kryal Castle visit: http://kryalcastle.com.au/

Location: 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek (Ballarat) VIC 3352

Ballarat Begonia Festival (9th March to 11 March 2013) - Lake Wendouree

2013-03-09T03:14:00.001-08:00

Today I ventured down to Lake Wendouree with my sister and children to check out the Ballarat Begonia Festival. We had a fun day viewing the beautiful flowers and enjoying the many and varied activities that were available. Enjoy my pictures from today. Click on an image to enlarge.

Ballarat's famous Begonia's

Sandpit Fun (Behind Pipers By The Lake)

A sure winner with my kids

Colourful Character's

You never know what you will find on a tree

Entertainment

Water based activities

Petting Zoo

Adam Lindsay Gordan Cottage

To find out more about the Ballarat Begonia Festival visit: http://www.ballaratbegoniafestival.com/
On all Labour Day Weekend. Don't forget the festival parade on Monday, 11am along Wendouree Parade (from corner of Carlton St up to the North Gardens precinct).

Lot's to do over the Labour Day Long Weekend in Ballarat

2013-03-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well as I think about what I am going to do this long weekend, I realise there is no need to leave Ballarat. There is so much going on here. Why would I want to leave?

Maybe you are sitting at home wondering what you will be doing. Perhaps a day trip to Ballarat might be on the cards?

Ballarat Begonia Festival - Saturday 9th March 2013 to Monday 11th March 2013
Lake Wendouree - Wendouree Parade.
I have said it before. I have many fond memories of the Begonia Festival from my childhood.

Ballarat has been growing the Begonia flower since 1898. This photo was taken at an event at Lake Wendouree last year. It may or may not be Begonia's, but it gives you a great example of what you might see. I highly recommend that you look at the flower displays located in the Robert Clark Conservatory. Entry - Adults $7, Concession $5, children under 16 years free.

Other festival highlights include the Garden Stage with expert presenters speaking on garden topics, entertainment on the Main Stage, Central Highlands Water marquee following the theme 'Grow Your Own Food', Art & Craft, Kids Activities including a Petting Farm, Vintage Tram Rides, Pedal Boats, Zorbing & Segways.

The Courier Begonia Parade will be celebrating the community spirit of Ballarat and will commence at 11am on Monday 11th March 2013. The parade will travel along Wendouree Parade from the corner of Carlton Street up to the North Gardens precinct. It will feature over 52 community groups, schools and businesses from Ballarat.

For more information visit: http://ballaratbegoniafestival.com/

Kryal Castle
Kryal Castle is now open for business. Step back in time to a land of medieval adventure. Featuring a Dragon's Labrinth, Torture Dungeon & Museum, Castle Arena with jousting, the Knights Round Table & Thrown Room, Oggle Watch Tower, Wizards Workroom, Fairies & Goblins Wonderland, Tooth Fairy Lolly Shop, The Maze, Jesters Theatre, Kings Britches Costume Parlour, Sword in the Stone, Village Traders, Ancient Cemetery & Chapel.

For costs, opening hours and other information visit: http://kryalcastle.com.au/
Location: 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek (Ballarat)

Lakeside Farmers Market (9th March 2013, 9am - 1pm)
Windmill Drive, Lake Wendouree

Ballarat Market (10th March 2013, 8am-1pm)
Ballarat Showgrounds, Creswick Road, Wendouree

Enjoy and have a safe weekend.