Fireworks welcomed by large New Year’s Eve crowdFederation Fireworks and family picnic attracted nearly four thousand at Kernot Hall Lake. By Latrobe City Council - 3rd January 2001 - Back to News Sunday night’s Federation Fireworks and family picnic attracted a New Year’s Eve crowd of nearly four thousand at Kernot Hall Lake, with many more watching the fireworks display from venues throughout the Latrobe Valley.
Latrobe City Deputy Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said the evening had proved to be a fantastic success with the crowd swelling from 6pm, as they arrived with blankets, chairs and picnic baskets.
“This was the largest fireworks display ever to be held in the Latrobe Valley, and the event made a spectacular prelude to the Centenary of Federation Year,” Councillor Jenkins said.
“While many families brought their own picnic hampers, the sausages and drinks provided by the Morwell Rotary Club were keenly sought out, with queues seemingly, never ending.
“Entertainment began with a fine display of Irish dancing which seemed to capture the imagination of the crowd, judging by the ecstatic applause,” Cr Jenkins said.
“Buskers, a face painter and balloon man intermingled with the crowd providing a festive party atmosphere, and roving performers such as a magician, stilt clown, gypsies and singers gathered an enthusiastic crowd wherever they went.
“The spectacular display of fireworks began at dusk and lasted for fifteen minutes, a lone Piper breaking the stillness that seemed to exist as the noise of the pyrotechnic display subsided,” Cr Jenkins explained.
“We were very mindful of families needing to get young children home to bed, so we held the fireworks as early as practicable,” Cr Jenkins said.
“Not only were the fireworks enjoyed by the crowd at Kernot Hall Lake, but significant numbers of people watched from other vantage points in Morwell and beyond.
“Council would like to praise those attending on their excellent behaviour. The crowd was terrific. Not only was there due respect given to this as a family event, but a feeling of togetherness and community existed throughout the whole evening,” Cr Jenkins added.
The Centenary of Federation will be celebrated with a year-long program of activities throughout Australia, and plans are well in hand for a major festival to be held in Latrobe City in March,” Cr Jenkins concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Cr. Tony Hanning, Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 373 577
Cr. Brendan Jenkins, Deputy Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 374 590
Ms. Penny Holloway, Chief Executive Officer,
tel. 5173 1401 or 0417 557 103
Jeremy Bein, Public Relations and Communications Officer,
tel. 5173 1468
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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