Kerang is once again gearing up for the decades old tradition of the Kerang and District Book Parade.
On Friday, August 25, from 11.30am the children from the community, consisting of seven local schools, will parade dressed in costumes as their favourite book characters.
Parents, guardians and grandparents across the region are manning the sewing machines and are up to their elbows in material, streamers, sequins, paint and cardboard as they work to make their children’s costumes ideas a reality.
The Kerang Traders, with its 60 or so members, is right behind the day with many dressing in costume and joining in the activities.
Bec Hewitt, the owner of The Little Shoe Shop in Victoria Street, said that the group decided to get even greater community involvement and a vibe happening in the whole town.
“So the traders can come along and get dressed up and have a bit of fun,” Ms Hewitt said.
“It creates a great atmosphere in the town.
“All the traders love getting involved, it creates a great energy for the day.
“If you weren’t from the town you might wonder what was going on.”
The Book Parade is the culmination of Book Week.
Instigated by The Children’s Book Council of Australia, Book Week is a chance to celebrate the importance of books in a child’s life, as well as the many amazing authors and illustrators we have in Australia.
Community members are encouraged to find a space around the retail centre of Kerang along Albert Street, Scoresby Street, Fitzroy Street, Wellington Street, and Victoria Street to view the creative work of the kids and parents of the district.
There will also be activities such as Jenelle’s Face Painting, to help children channel their favourite book character or superhero as well as a jumping castle and, of course, fairy floss.
Roads along the parade route will be closed to vehicles during this time.