Fine for food festival

By Tania Martin
THE MT Dandenong Village inaugural Food and Wine Festival held recently was a raving success with more than 5000 people attending.
The festival ran from 9am on Sunday, 27 November and lasted well into the night with a progressive dinner.
Although the Mt Dandenong Traders Association had to fund this year’s festival, it is hoping to obtain funding from the Shire of Yarra Ranges next year.
All the funds raised from the festival will go towards beautifying the Mt Dandenong Village.
Association member Jilly Sime said the day was a great success with more than 5000 locals and visitors attending the festival.
Ms Sime said people travelled from all over Victoria to attend the festival and that there was even a coach tour group from Philip Island.
She said the Blundstone throwing competition and the barrel races were very popular with the men.
Meanwhile, the Alpha Dogs were a huge drawing card for young children as well as the giant jumping castle.
Ms Sime said the cooking demonstrations were also a great success.
The festival is now set to become an annual event.