By Mikayla van Loon
Hundreds of people descended on Mount Evelyn at the end of October with the successful return of the Street Party.
The glorious warm weather was a draw card to the event on Sunday 29 October after a four year hiatus.
Seeing people of all ages join in the fun and excitement, the committee were “very pleased” with how well the event was received.
“The whole day seemed quite dense with participation and attendance but it is hard to judge,” Mount Evelyn Street Party committee treasurer Tim Herlihy said.
From food vans running out of food to record stall holder sales, the day had plenty of engagement from the public particularly in the activities.
“This year we had the youth hub and it was a good start, there was lots of activity going on,” Mr Herlihy said.
“Chess master Brian challenged 10 people all at the same time, mostly younger people sat down to play but everyone was surprised at how he played all those people at once.
“The cooking demonstrations were very popular as well, which was a new thing for us this year.”
Mr Herlihy said another special moment of the day was seeing Australian Idol contestant and Mount Evelyn resident Josh Hannon perform on the main stage.
“Josh performed very well, his voice was wonderful and he seemed like a very nice guy. He did a 30 minute performance and 10 minute Q&A where he answered questions about his time on Australian Idol.
“I was amazed at how many people stood watching him, the crowd was spectacular.”
Three jazz bands also performed throughout the day, seeing people pick up their dancing shoes for a jive and was something Mr Herlihy said was enjoyed by many because it “offered a point of difference”.
Once again the pin up and best dressed competitions were extremely loved, with a new competition from the classic car drivers, wearing an outfit to match their vehicle, drawing a lot of interest.
Stallholders and local businesses were all impressed with the day as well.
“Mount Evelyn History Group sold three times as many publications and it was the first time the historical calendars, documenting decades, were sold.
“We deliberately had no coffee vans so local businesses would benefit and from all reports, they had significantly higher business for a Sunday.
“Many of the 100 stallholders have already put in a bid to attend next time.”
With big events of this kind, Mr Herlihy said there is always something to learn and this year it was needing more shaded areas and better placement of the bins.
Having a largely new committee, Mr Herlihy said the ideas and improvements for the next event in two years have already started flowing.
“Our new committee has already said they want to be involved, which can be rare. They’ve suggested separating the portfolios because some of the skill sets are different and it requires three people to organise the different stallholders for schools, food and community groups.”
Through it all, the Mount Evelyn Street Party will make another return in 2025, continuing the fun, excitement and community spirit.
“Everyone who participates, whether they’re a volunteer, a stallholder or an attendee, gets something out of it,” Mr Herlihy said.
“The community seemed to really appreciate having the event back.”
