Puppets: A Punch and Judy puppet show will delight young and old.
DESPITE predicted cold and showery conditions, visitors are expected in droves for this weekend’s Ballarat Heritage Weekend.
With the theme of “Childhood Memories”, a range of indoor and outdoor activities will bring the CBD to life.
A highlight will be a fashion parade of 20th century fashion featuring items from as early as 1910.
Titled “Frock tales: Fashion through the 20th century”, it will take place at 2pm tomorrow in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s Oddie Gallery.
About 50 dresses will be on show with all items having been loaned from private collections.
Ballarat City Councillor Samantha McIntosh said she was looking forward to taking part in the parade, wearing a 1950s day dress and a 1960s chocolate and gold-coloured lace evening gown.
“Many of the dresses have a special story attached to them so the parade will take the audience on a journey right through the 20th century which will be complemented by the stunning surrounds of the Oddie Gallery,” Cr McIntosh said.
Visitors can also share their memories of Ballarat in “One Minute Memories” at the Mining Exchange.
Their stories will be recorded and banked in a digital archive by the Ballarat Historical Society.
Still in the Mining Exchange, a pedal car display from the 1930s to the 1960s will bring a welcome return to childhood.
The magic of a traditional carousel and Punch and Judy puppet show can also be experienced at Alfred Deakin Place between 10am and 5pm both days.
Free horse and carriage rides and 30-minute double decker tours will take place around the CBD, while steam train rides will leave the Ballarat Railway Station for Sulky at 10am, 11am, noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm both days.
Schoolyard games will be set up in Town Hall Lane and tours of Her Majesty’s Theatre will depart at 10am, 11am, noon and 6.15pm on Sunday only.
High tea will be served at Craig’s Royal Hotel at 2pm and 4pm today and 11am, 2pm and 4pm on Sunday.
For more information or a program, go to www.ballaratheritageweekend.com or like the Ballarat Heritage Weekend facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BallaratHeritageWeekend.