THE Australian spirit was in full force as crowds turned out by the thousands to enjoy Lake Wendouree’s Australia Day offerings.
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The crowds came well prepared with activities to keep them entertained and rugs to keep warm as they waited for the main event: the fireworks.
Children played cricket, played with glowsticks and sparklers, and wore Australian-themed clothing at the family-friendly celebrations.
Sonia Crawford has been going to the Australia Day celebrations for years. She arrived at 5pm and set up camp at the same spot as last year.
Now, her two sisters go and take their families, and the older of her five children also make the event a priority.
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“It’s a tradition. We come and have tea here, go for a walk and come back and sit down,” Ms Crawford said.
Stef Tan-Kristanto had never seen Ballarat’s fireworks display, having only moved to the city in August.
“I wanted to come and see what the anticipation was for and have a good time with my mate,” she said.
Ms Tan-Kristanto also watched some of the pre-fireworks entertainment near Pipers.
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Prue Petersen, of Ballarat, went to Lake Wendouree during the day with her family for a visit to the playground.
She had fish and chips at home for dinner before returning for the fireworks.
She said her family had attended the festivities for the past five years.
“The kids are nine and six-and-a-half. It’s a really good age for events like this,” she said.
Rhonda and Matt Best, of Mount Egerton, snuggled under a blanket while waiting for the fireworks. They came prepared with coffee, biscuits and beanies.
Before settling down at their spot, they enjoyed a walk around Lake Wendouree.