GRIFFITH Spring Fest will take on a new look this year, with the flagship event switching to digital in a bid to ensure public safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Spring celebration will see virtual tours and videos, tips and tricks to get your garden in great shape and a number of online activities for families to enjoy at home.
Chairperson of the Griffith Spring Fest Working Group, Councillor Rina Mercuri, says she understands that many people may be disappointed that the event isn't running to its original plan, but there are still positives to be taken from the situation.
"We had hoped that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions would have eased by now," Cr Mercuri said.
"But the ongoing crisis has meant our original plans could not go ahead.
"While Griffith Spring Fest 2020 is not exactly going to be what we are used to seeing each Spring, we have been working on a way to bring the event to life digitally."
This year would have been the 25th anniversary of the Citrus Sculptures and the 30th anniversary of the Garden Festival, but unprecedented events have led organisers to put new measures in place.
The online festival will showcase the event's evolution since it began in 1991, paying tribute to those who helped make the event so special during the past few decades.
Griffith City Council's tourism manager, Mirella Guidolin, says their team have been reflecting on previous years to come up with a strategy that will make 2021 bigger and better than ever before.
"We have some exciting ideas on how to improve Griffith Spring Fest, to encourage the growth of the event and attract more visitors to Griffith next year," Ms Guidolin said.
"If you have been working hard in your garden during COVID-19 and want to join in on the festival, please get in touch with the tourism team.
"We are always looking for gardens, from small town gardens to large expansive farm gardens, they all showcase Griffith's uniqueness and our visitors love the diversity."
***