Federation Parade
On the Sunday of the Australia Day weekend at 10:00am there is a street parade down Corowa's Sanger Street.
Local businesses, clubs and organisations are asked to enter floats. There are also brass and pipe bands, displays from car and historic vehicle clubs and farm machinery.
Each year has a different theme and - while not compulsory - participants are asked to utilise the theme where possible.
If you would like to enter a float please contact us on 0499 878 529, corowarotary39@gmail.com or download and fill in the form below.
2025-01-30 FP Wonderful 45th Federation Festival weekend
By Robert Muir
From Friday night to late Sunday, Corowa's Federation Festival was "wonderful the whole weekend" according to Rotary Club of Corowa organisers.
"It was absolutely brilliant the whole weekend. To sit down and read all the compliments on social media about it was very satisfying," festival co-ordinator Gary Poidevin OAM told The Free Press.
"Everything we put on they enjoyed. People were needing some great, fun entertainment and they got it.”
The fireworks in the RSL Park opposite Club Corowa - the major sponsors - on Friday night drew a huge crowd.
While numbers attending the Ball on Saturday night at Corowa Rugby Club were down on previous years, those attending "had a wow of a time" according to Mr Poidevin.
"The effort put in by the Rural Fire Service and Corowa Rugby Club to run such a great event as this was second to none."
People loved Sunday's street parade which had 22 entrants.
"People took to the shade early but really came out, lining both sides of Sanger Street to admire and applaud every entrant,” the co-ordinator said.
"There was the great range of what Corowa is proud of, and with colour and atmosphere.
"We brought the tourists to town and Rotary had to pay tip fees to remove the rubbish. It would have been great if Federation Council’s Australia Day celebration did not clash with our street parade.”
The competitive spirit was evident, with $1,500 in shared prizes for the best floats motivating participants to bring their A-game.
After meticulous judging, the winners were announced:
Federation Festival Grand Parade Winners
Best Float and best School: Lowesdale Public School
Best Themed: Body Basic Dance School ‘It's Magic'
Most Entertaining: Corowa She Shed
Best Effort: Wahgunyah Speedway Club
Australia Day 2025 got off to a truly great start last Friday with the 10th anniversary of Rotary's conducted Tim Fischer AC Oration. Coverage of the big night, with one champion speaking about another champion, will appear in next week’s edition of The Free Press
Corowa Free Press Wednesday 5th February 2025
Lowesdale's festival magic
By Robert Muir
The tireless Lowesdale P&C created magic for their students at Lowesdale Public School with their float 'We Believe in Magic'.
The float was not only judged the best school float in Corowa Federation Festival’s Street Parade on Australia Day 2025 but also clinched the best of the 22 floats in the parade.
Featuring hand-crafted magical mushrooms, bunnies jumping out of hats and butterflies intertwined with butterflies amongst enchanted woods of ivy, the float was admired and applauded by the many hundreds of spectators in Sanger Street.
Bubbles were emitted, with the float attended by teacher Mrs Courtney Kuschert and the students dressed as magical book characters including Willy Wonka, Hagrid and Harry Potter.
The float was a real hit with the community cheering as the float went by and receiving lollies handed-out by the P&C dressed as witches and butterflies.
Festival organisers, The Rotary Club of Corowa, awarded the school the top prize of 'Best Float' including $500 and the Best School float.
'A great day was had by all, and the school and P&C enjoyed showcasing their artistic abilities and community spirit,' Lowesdale P&C Treasurer Alisa McDonald said.
Pictured: Weaving their magic Lowesdale Public School’s excellent, dual award-winning Federation Festival float
2025-01-22 COROWA FREE PRESS
Don't miss Federation Festival Fun!
By Robert Muir
"It will be a fabulous weekend with everything planned. It's going to be fantastic weather. Everything is full steam ahead."
That's the preview of this weekend's 2025 Federation Festival by Rotarian and street parade announcer Gary Poidevin OAM. "Bookings are looking good for the Federation Dinner and the Ball; there will be a lot of floats” Rotarian Paul Miegel said. The Rotary Club of Corowa is preparing for a celebration of unity and community spirit.
The festivities will start this Friday, January 24, with the much-anticipated Federation Dinner at the Civic Bowls Club. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Federation Dinner, an event that pays homage to the region's history and its distinguished figures. The dinner incorporates the Tim Fischer Oration, named after the revered local politician, known for his eloquence and personal touch. The Tim Fischer Oration will welcome Judy Fischer AO, Tim's wife, as the guest speaker. Judy, an officer of the Order of Australia, is renowned for her distinguished service to individuals with disabilities, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as to refugees in rural areas, women, and education. Living on her family farm in Mudgegonga, North East Victoria, Judy has a deep connection to the land and community. The Federation Dinner commences at 6:30pm for a 7 pm start, offering a delectable three-course meal for $65 per person. Drinks will be available at bar prices.
On Saturday, January 25th the popular Federation Ball at the Corowa Rugby Ground starts at 7pm. This year the event will have an Australia Day and Black Tie theme with 'No Plans' once again providing great entertainment alongside seven-piece band 'Track 7’. Tickets are on sale now with your ticket to include Saturday camping, day stage entertainment, all food, drinks and entertainment on Saturday night as well as Sunday breakfast. Book online via Try Booking. Tickets are $160 until Friday, January 24 at noon. Limited tickets with a maximum of 700 so get in quick. Tickets will also be available at the gate if they are not sold out for $180 cash only.
As the sun sets on Saturday, January 25th, the skies above RSL Park will light up with a dazzling firework display at 9:30pm. This spectacle, provided by Rotary in collaboration with Club Corowa and Rivalea, promises to be a breathtaking finale to the celebration.
To be led by Dylan Forge, the popular parade returns on Sunday, January 26 with a magic theme. For those looking to showcase their creative flair, parade enthusiasts can pick up entry forms at Craft Junction in Sanger Street or download them from the festival's website. $1000 in prizes await the best floats, adding a competitive edge to the vibrant parade down the main street.
There's the Federation Market on Sunday morning, offering a larger-than-life shopping experience compared to the regular monthly market. Before the parade kicks off, an Ecumenical Service will take place, with bands performing afterwards to keep the spirits high.
To book tickets to the Federation Dinner or ball visit: https://wwrv.trybooking.com and search Corowa Rotary Federation'
2025 Federation Parade
It is time to think about your float for the Federation Festival Parade.
10am on Australia Day!!
The entry form for the Federation Parade can be downloaded from the link below or obtained from Deb at Craft Junction
Contact Sally 0419 832 120 for more information.
The theme this year is
MAGIC
FEDERATION FESTIVAL 2024
COROWA FREE FRESS Wednesday January 31,2024
Festival’s “grand” comeback
Fantastic 44th Federation
By Adrienne Hartnett
Hundreds of people lined Sanger Street on Sunday morning for the Rotary Club of Corowa's Federation Festival Grand Parade, marking a triumphant return to the beloved annual celebration.
"One of the best festivals in many, many years" declared Gary Poidevin OAM, encapsulating the spirit of the Rotary Club of Corowa's 44th annual Federation Festival.
The Grand Parade on Sunday stole the show, drawing the largest crowd in many years and rekindling the town's passion for community, creativity, and celebration.
The festivities, spanning from January 26 to 28, kicked off with the Rotary Federation Dinner and Tim Fischer Oration on Friday night.
Local identity Gary Poidevin OAM graced the stage, sharing the poignant story of his father, Gordon George Poidevin OAM, a former Prisoner of War and dedicated community man.
Saturday night transformed RSL Park into a spectacle of lights as Griff's Pyrotechnics, generously sponsored by Club Corowa and Rivalea, lit up the sky with a breath-taking fireworks display.
Many spectators dubbed the l0-minute show as one of the best the town had ever seen.
Despite a slightly lower attendance, the Federation Ball held at Corowa Rugby League Ground on Saturday night drew praise from those in attendance. Mr Poidevin acknowledged the well-run and managed event, thanking volunteers for their significant contribution to the overall success.
The highlight of the festival unfolded on Sunday with the Grand Parade, capturing the essence of community unity and artistic expression, kicking off with a 9am Ecumenical Service in Bangerang Park led by the Corowa Anglican Parish's Mother Jane.
Leading the procession was the Corowa RSL Sub Branch, accompanied by none other than
Dylan Forge on the bagpipes. Marching bands, vintage and restored cars, tractors, and over a dozen community clubs, schools, and organisations paraded down Sanger Street in perfect summer conditions.
The creativity displayed by participants was nothing short of extraordinary, with elaborate costumes, dazzling colours, and meticulous attention to detail turning the parade into a
kaleidoscope of artistic expression. Floats ranged from whimsical designs to historical re-enactments, each representing a unique facet of Corowa's diverse community.
Cheers and applause resonated from onlookers, reaching a crescendo when the Corowa and District SHE Shed danced their way down the street to the tune of Dancing Queen, adorned in vibrant tops, cardboard tool cut-outs, and creative headpieces.
Lowesdale Public School showcased their creativity with a float titled "We go to Rio," featuring colourful balloons and students and staff donning carnival wings.
The Corowa Rowing Club's spectacular float, adorned with a throne of oars, rainbow fans, and balloons, was also a showstopper.
The competitive spirit was evident, with $1000 in shared prizes for the best floats motivating.
participants to bring their A-game.
After rneticulous judging, the winners were announced:
Federation Festival Grand Parade Winners
Best Float: Corowa Little Athletics
Best School: Lowesdale Public School
Best Themed: Corowa Rowing Club
Most Entertaining: Corowa She Shed
Having been involved in the festival since its inception in the 1980s, Mr Poidevin expressed
his overwhelming emotions at the massive turnout on Sunday.
"I was that bloody excited with the people that were there," he said.
"It was back to the old days when we used to attract hundreds of people. The effort that was put in for the floats with the decorations I thought were as good as any Moomba float! I was so pleased with the tum out.
"The market following the parade was packed with people- it was just great.”
Mr Poidevin attributed the success of the parade to the dedication of Rotary Club members, highlighting Deb Rowe, who took charge, and her husband Guy Rowe, who announced each float as they made their way down the street.
He praised the Rotary Club for their sustained effort, mentioning that the parade’s future had been in question in recent years, but the resurgence demonstrated its enduring appeal.
"For the last five or six years, it was almost questioned if the parade would go ahead,” he said.
"The Rotary Club said they’d give it another year, and thankfully, it has picked up again.”
"The community has demonstrated that they want this tradition to continue and to see people enjoying the parade and the effort put in shows that our effort is paying off. I am so proud of the Rotary
Club of Corowa.”
Mr Poidevin expressed his satisfaction with the entire festival weekend, highlighting the brilliant fireworks on Saturday night and the overall fantastic success for the club.
"Friday night was a wonderful night, and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and were all very social, Saturday night, great again, and Sunday was just fantastic.”
Grand Parade Prize Winners (Left to right)
Best Float - Corowa Little Athletics
Best Themed - Corowa Rowing
Best School - Lowesdale PS
Most Entertaining - Corowa SHE Shed
2024 Grand Parade Entrants
Corowa Rotary Federation Festival 2023 - Parade Theme 'Royalty'
The Federation Festival weekend concluded today with the Rotary Markets and the Rotary Federation Parade. Although it was a wet one, the Rotary Club of Corowa thanks everyone for coming out and enjoying the day, A huge thank you to all the participants in the parade and markets for staying, despite the downpour. We hope you enjoyed the Fireworks and all the events this weekend and we will be back next year hopefully bigger than ever and drier!!
The Free Press, Wed 26th January. 2022
Spectacular 42nd Federation Festival
By Adrienne Hartnett
The 42nd annual Federation Festival weekend has been hailed a success evidenced by the great crowd numbers and smiling faces across the three-day extravaganza.
Traditionally held in January each year, the Federation Festival was first held in 1980 and celebrates Corowa’s place in history as the ‘birthplace of Federation’.
Celebrations kicked off on Friday night with the Tim Fischer Oration Dinner at the Corowa Civic Bowls Club.
Federation Festival Director Gary Poidevin OAM said Friday night’s dinner with guest speaker Rosalie Ham was a hit, followed by the Corowa Rotary Club’s fireworks on Saturday in RSL Park and the “fantastic” Federation Festival parade down Sanger Street on Sunday.
“It was a very successful Federation Festival weekend organised by the Rotary Club of Corowa. People who attended the dinner, the fireworks and the parade all said they had a wonderful time,” Mr Poidevin told The Free Press.
Much to the delight of locals, temperatures remained in the mid 20’s for Sunday’s Grand Parade and monster market in Bangerang Park. Hundreds gathered in the shade to watch the floats and pipe bands come down Sanger Street with vintage cars and colourful floats delighting young and old.
The parade was led by the Corowa RSL Sub-Branch, with local pipe bands adding vibrancy to the atmosphere.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley were also in attendance and took the role of parade judges very seriously as they watched the affair from the Royal Hotel Balcony.
Essential Energy sponsored the major prizes for the best floats on show including $1000 for the winning float.
“We cannot thank Essential Energy enough for sponsoring the prizes for our winning floats,” Mr Poidevin said.
Country Buddies were awarded “Best School Float” while Corowa and District Historical Society were crowned “Most Humorous Float” for a second year in a row.
The judges were extremely impressed by Gyles Newsagency who created an outstanding float honouring 130 years of business in Corowa. For their efforts, Gyles were awarded “Best Themed Float” in the parade.
Meanwhile, the enthusiastic Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club were awarded overall Best Float for 2022.
Following the parade, locals were able to cool down and enjoy the Rotary Club’s Federation Market in Bangerang Park with plenty of local produce and unique creations.
“In these tough times, it was great to see so many people come out and support the Federation Festival,” Mr Poidevin said.
“A special thank you to people who participated in the parade. It takes time and effort to enter and prepare floats and we are hugely appreciative to those who put their hand up to be part of the fun.”
Ms Ley also gave a shout out to Mr Poidevin for his tireless work creating an incredible event for the community over many years.
“Gary has been part of the Federation Festival for 42 years which is just outstanding,” she said.
“Well done Gary! And well done to all the participants and the Rotary Club of Corowa for continuing to organise this long-standing and wonderful tradition.”
2021-01-24 Federation Festival Parade
Despite the soaring temperatures over the weekend, hundreds of locals gathered on Sunday to watch the floats and pipe bands come down Sanger Street. It was a year like no other with COVID-19 check in stations and sanitizer available to the public.
A total of 19 entries paraded down the street. These included floats, bands, emergency service vehicles, mini coopers and vintage tractors. After a year of limited performance opportunities, five pipe bands including the Scots School Albury Pipe Band embraced the opportunity to perform for the community. Corowa Public School was awarded the "Best School Float" award as well as "Best Presented Float" while the Corowa Federation Museum float was crowned "Most Humorous Float".
Despite only three weeks notice, everyone who made the effort to attend and contribute to the weekend's festivities should be praised. It was certainly a most enjoyable parade.
2019-01-24 Federation Festival Parade
Below are some photos from a number of Federation Parades. To view a larger version double click on the photo.
