IF YOU need something to shake up the spirits and brighten the grey skies of winter, a visit to the Murrindindi Beanie (& Fibre) Festival might be just the ticket.
This fantastic fibre-fusion event is always held over the fourth weekend of July (this year July 27-28) and is designed to promote the arts, crafts and talents of people in the Murrindindi Shire.
The festival features a market of colourful stalls in the historic shire hall in Alexandra showcasing the best of home, handmade or community-made crafts as well as spinning demonstrations and displays by fibre artists.
The festival competition is a hugely popular event with five categories - Murrindindi Madness ( the theme this year is Up In The Air), Traditional Beanie, Funky Fibre Fusion, Tea Pot Beanie and best Recycled Beanie, with money raised from sales going to local charities.
Alexandra comes alive with all things beanie for the weekend as shops and businesses take up the challenge of wearing the best creation, and lamp posts are bedecked with fibre creations.
IF YOU GO
Alexandra is a regional centre about 130km north-east of Melbourne and, with its neighbour town of Yea, is known as the gateway to the High Country.
Built along the attractive boulevard of Grant Street, the town centre features a number of historical buildings dating back to the 1850s when gold was discovered and mined in the area.
Visitors can take a ride on the Alexandra Timber Tramway or visit the Cathedral Range State Park, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The Great Victorian Rail Trail also passes through the town.
Alexandra is well served with a variety of accommodation from hotels and motels to camping grounds; and foodies will be pleased with the range of food shops and eateries.
The Alexandra Visitor Information Centre in Grant Street, 5772-1100 is open daily - www.alexandratourism.com
