Do you remember the Florado Festival?
Held in Warrnambool from 1957 until 1966, it was one of Warrnambool’s biggest celebrations, and a precursor for today’s Wunta Fiesta.
The festival, along with other gems of Warrnambool’s past, will be celebrated as part of the city’s annual Celebrage Festival.
Running from October 6-31 Celebrage includes more than two dozen free or low cost activities for seniors, including historic photo and video presentations by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society.
Celebrage Coordinator Clare Vaughan encouraged people to remember the “Florado spirit” and continue to enjoy the city they live in.
“When I look back at photos of the Florado Festival, I see happy people who are enjoying being a part of their community,” she said.
“It’s only by going out and getting involved in things that you can understand what it’s really like to live in Warrnambool.
“From walking tours of historic buildings, to concerts, vintage car rides, pampering sessions and even wellness activities to help you get a good night’s sleep, we’ve put together a broad range of activities to show you just how much fun Warrnambool can be at any age.”
Warrnambool and District Historic Society President Janet Macdonald said that while 19th century history was always popular, there was a growing interest in the mid-20th century.
“The current version of the historical society was formed in 1966. Material from this period was contemporary, so it wasn’t collected at the time,” she said.
“Now we are getting people reminiscing about photos of the Palais and the Tatts Hotel, places they had a connection to when they were younger.
“People can come (to the Celebrage events) and see footage of things they might have once enjoyed, but forgotten about.
“It’s a two way process too. Whenever we have displays we learn so much from attendees too.”
Celebrage is part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
You can pick up a program at the Archie Graham Centre or check out all of the events online at .
Image courtesy of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society
