EARLY threads are in place. Bridge Mall is about to be officially yarn-bombed to encourage people to embrace and celebrate the Ballarat chill this Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bridge Mall Business Association general manager Germaine Davey said the inaugural yarn-bombing event was a great chance for people to connect, have fun and support local business.
There will be fashion parades - human and dog editions - music and entertainment and, of course, the hunt to find the city's best yarn-bomb display.
IN OTHER NEWS
"It was a positive community event and an important event after it was so hard for so many people through COVID," Ms Davey said.
"This is a great opportunity for us, as an association, to give back to the community and support charitable organisations and retailers.
"We often refer to Doug Bradbury's history book on the Bridge Mall and Bridge Street being the heart of Ballarat. This is a way to put the mall at the heart of Ballarat again."
The Yarn-Bombing Extravaganza will incorporate City of Ballarat's annual Bull-Doggie-Do, a party for all bulldogs across the region ahead of AFL club Western Bulldogs' return to play for premiership points at Mars Stadium.
The 'Do will be the day before a late AFL fixture for Ballarat on Sunday with Greater Western Sydney to host Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon on Mars. This extra AFL hit-out is due to COVID lockdowns and restrictions across New South Wales.
A popular party, Ballarat's Bull-Doggie Do is based on an idea from sibling hackers Daniel and Emily McLean ahead of the city's first AFL premiership season match in August 2017.
Together they discovered a large proportion of bulldog pets registered in town, after trawling through City of Ballarat data and thought it only fitting to host a giant party to help celebrate all things Bulldog as a city.
To extend an inclusive invitation, Bridge Mall Business Association will also host a Woolly Waggers fashion parade for other Ballarat dogs to show off their nicest threads.
Ms Davey said plenty of spot prizes will be up for grabs, including the best yarn-bomb display.
Bridge Mall has hosted a series of knitting and crochet classes leading up to this yarn explosion and most displays were already in place - but Ms Davey said nothing was certain until final votes had been cast and City of Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney will make his final judgement.
Yarn-Bomb Extravaganza, held in the spirit of Ballarat Winter Festival, will run from 10am to 2pm.
Ms Davey said the association hoped the yarn displays would continue to evolve through winter.
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.