The AFL Country Round had its official launch this morning at the MCG in the lead up to the big game between Essendon and Geelong this Saturday 19 May.
CFA volunteers Emily, Rob and Sean with CFA CEO Paul Smith and Geelong's Tom Hawkins
CFA volunteers Sean Ryan, Rob Waters and Emily Bonacci were proud to help launch the AFL Country Round with CEO Paul Smith. Today’s launch was a taste of what was to come this Saturday at the Festival with a petting zoo and Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy even having a crack at sheering a sheep.
As part of the round a ‘Country Festival’ will be taking place outside the MCG with a CFA stall. CFA volunteers will also be honoured prior to the game with the players and umpires lining up for the unfurling of a giant sized Australian Flag during a performance of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ from iconic Australian singer John Williamson.
“The foundations of many country towns are the local footy team and the local CFA brigade. It’s great that our terrific volunteers are being recognised by the AFL,” Mr Smith said.
The Country Festival is a free event commencing at 1pm on Saturday 19 May in Yarra Park.
The festival includes:
- Live stage areas with entertainment across the afternoon
- Farmers Market featuring more than 50 stalls proudly supported by Regional Development Victoria
- Interactive footy activations from major partner Powercor
- Foodbank free fruit giveaway
- Farm animals, dogs shows, sheep shearing, camel rides and displays from the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
- Deni Ute Muster activation
- Tractor and machinery display from Case IH and Case Construction
- Kids activities including jumping castles, face painting and entertainment
- CFA fire trucks display
- Beer garden featuring wines from Treasury Wine Estates and beer from Colonial Brewing Co.
- Food trucks
So come down this Saturday and say hi!