When I was a kid living in Mooroolbark, the Red Earth Festival was one of the top calendar events of the year. Held in March, it was closely followed by the Maroondah Festival (February) and the Lilydale Show (November), all offering a plethora of exciting things for families to see and do – rides, showbags, educational tents, fireworks and of course, food.
As the years wore on, they became events you went to with your friends, listening to music and ‘hanging’ out, simply because it was the cool thing to do, and it was free.
It has now been quite some years since I attended a local community festival. I moved away from places that held those kinds of events; the Red Earth festival folded due to lack of support and Maroondah and Lilydale were condensed into single days of activity rather than weekend long carnivals.
So it came as quite the surprise when I discovered my new local, South Melbourne, planned to host its inaugural street festival, Scout About, this month. The festival, organised by the South Melbourne Business Association, offers locals and visitors alike the chance to see the bits of South Melbourne usually hidden away or kept secret by those in the know.
Intermingled with performances, entertainment and workshops, the traders of South Melbourne will be throwing open their doors and welcoming Melbournians from all over to experience the leafy suburb filled with the best in art, homewares, style and food.
Mr Sam Tresise, President of the South Melbourne Business Association, said that more than 35 in-store performances, shows, tours and workshops have been organised for the fair, enabling attendees to enjoy a local historical walk, a tapestry workshop, attend a fashion catwalk or even a shoe shine class.
“We’re keen to show Melburnians the amazing array of beautiful things you can eat, wear, experience and take home from South Melbourne. There will be performances on the main stage from Australian singer-songwriter Nick Barker and the great rock showman of Australian music Dave Graney; as well as in-store performances, shows, tours and workshops. If you like your festivals cruisy and relaxed, then this is the one for you.”
“There’s also cupcake decorating, self-defence demonstrations, a wine tasting, dress your table demonstrations, art on display and you’ll even be able to pick up a home tooth whitening kit,” he said.
In addition to the plethora of free activity for adults, the kids will be taken care of as well, with storytelling, face painting, balloons and characters to entertain younger minds.
South Melbourne is of course well known for its food and coffee (St. Ali, Deadman Espresso, anyone?) and all the famous cafes will be putting on their best aprons to prepare spectacular specials for the customers.
The Scout About Street Fair will take place on Coventry Street, which will be closed to traffic between Cecil and Clarendon Streets from 11am until 6pm on Sunday February 19. Visitors are encouraged to grab a tram (number 1 or 112) or walk from the city (only a 30 minute stroll) to check to check out everything South Melbourne has on offer.
SPECIAL EVENT MENTIONS
SCENT-SATIONAL: THE LOST ART OF HIGH CLASS BOTANICAL PERFUMERY
Onya favourite, Fleurage Perfume Atelier, will be running workshops at Scout About, offering the perfume fans among us a 30 minute workshop to learn the delicate art of botanical perfumery, sample handmade scents and learn about the complexities of composing perfume from the experts.
Emma Leah and Robert Luxford of Fleurage Perfume Atelier are located at 280 Park Street, South Melbourne and classes will run at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, limited to 15 students per lesson.
To book, email booking@fleurage.com.au and indicate which session you would like to attend.
NATIONAL TRUST PORTABLE IRON HOUSES OPEN HOUSE & GUIDED TOUR
The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is offering Melburnians the opportunity to immerse themselves in historical South Melbourne, once known as Emerald Hill, with a guided walking tour of the area as part of the inaugural Scout About festival.
History devotees and interested locals will be given the chance to step back into 1850s South Melbourne, visiting three nineteenth century prefabricated iron houses that are among a handful that remain in the world – the houses will be open from 11am to 6pm ($5 adult, $3 concession, no bookings required).
There is also an opportunity to discover life in South Melbourne during the 1870s and 1880s, a pub on every corner, shops – including a drapery emporium, even a riding school. This “hidden gem” historical guided tour will start at 1.45pm at 399 Coventry Street, South Melbourne and finish 90 minutes later at the South Melbourne Market.
With only 25 places available, bookings are essential, call (03) 9645 7517. Prices are adults $20, concession $18 and children $10.
For more information on Scout About; The South Melbourne Street Fair, see www.facebook.com/ScoutAboutFair.
