Preparations in full swing for Wallcliffe Road parade

Carnival Parade Margaret River is just around the corner and excitement is rippling through the community in anticipation of the celebration of the arrival of the rains, heralding the coming season of abundance, caring for and planting on country.

Performers, artists and locals of all ages are rehearsing, preparing costumes and props and creating the many characters that will bring Wallcliffe Rd precinct to life as Wooditjup Bilya on Saturday afternoon, May 31.

Five dance groups, circus and aerialists, choirs, Margi Pride and the Walking with Wheelbarrows contingent of gardens, growers, landcare and environment groups make up some of the 100 or more characters who will celebrate in style.

Parade Director, Margot Edwards encourages anyone wanting to participate to come along to the HEART outdoor amphitheatre at 12noon this Saturday, May 17.

Registrations close on May 18 (events.humanitix.com/carnival-parade-celebrate-the-rains-margaret-river).

Bush Animal Mask workshops have had a great response from families.

To register for the last two public workshops, held this Sunday, May 18 at Cowaramup (10.30am-12noon) and Augusta (3pm-4.30pm), text Margot 0420 940 123 or check today’s ad for Humanitix booking link.

Local homeschool kids have been making a fantastic ‘surprise’ creation for the Parade with the Nannas who Mend.

The students will be making their Bush Animal masks next Thursday May 22 at Gathered Organics from 1-3pm.

Art students from MRSHS, MRPS, St Thomas More and Montessori are finishing their Paint-a-Blob creatures for our street puppet design.

Margaret River Lions Club have generously taken up one of two $5000 Paint-n-Create sponsorships for the Carnival Parade.

Organisers are appealing to local business and clubs to pick up the remaining $5000 in sponsorship for the key centrepiece, a huge street puppet inspired by the student designs, to be created by artist-in-residence, Sandy McKendrick.