Bloom Festival launches tourism opportunities

Recent winter weather may not have been a typical start to spring, but the launch of the annual Bloom Festival will ensure that there will be plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the Great Southern in the coming months.

Councillors from the Shires of Katanning, Kojonup, Kent, Cranbrook and Gnowangerup attended the official festival launch at Katanning Leisure Centre’s Pioneer room on Saturday, September 14.

Member for Wagin Terry Waldron officially opened the third annual festival, which features more than 40 events in the Great Southern.

Mr Waldron praised the work of volunteers and the co-operation between the eight Shires involved in the event.

Committee member and Cranbrook Shire president Jan Pope said the event was a fantastic concept for the region.

“It’s a great way for the Shires to support local small businesses and bring people to our region,” she said.

The Bloom Festival is part of the Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern initiative.

It involves the Shires of Katanning, Broomehill-Tambellup, Kent, Gnowangerup, Kojonup, Jerramungup, Cranbrook and Woodanilling working closely together to bring events that are well known to locals in the area to tourists.

Not only does it promote the wildflowers and natural features that will be in their prime, but also art exhibitions and cooking workshops.

The Bloom Festival will run until October 19.