Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN IS THE FESTA?
Sunday 12th February 2023.
The event will run from 10:00 with a mass for St Paul.
Food and market traders will commence from 11:00 am.
WHERE IS BAROMI PARK?
Baromi Park is located on Ridgeway, Mirboo North VIC 3871
IS THIS MARKET INDOORS?
This is an outdoor event. Feel free to bring a picnic rug to sit on the grass as you enjoy some fabulous Mediterranean inspired food!
IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?
There are designated parking areas allocated which will be signed. Shuttle Buses will be running to transport people to the park, however all parking is within an easy stroll of the Festa.
Parking is available at the following locations:
Walter J Tuck Reserve – Strzelecki Hwy as you enter Mirboo North from the direction of Morwell.
Mirboo North Primary School – on Grand Ridge Road as you enter Mirboo North from the direction of Leongatha.
Baths Road Reserve – the location of the currently under renovation Mirboo North Swimming Pool.
Other side streets – please do so with care and consideration for residents.
The streets become quite congested over the day, so please make sure you are parking safely. Emergency vehicles need more room to navigate through the streets than a passenger vehicle, so please do not park on a corner or obstruct access in any way.
We encourage those with 4WD vehicles to park in areas that may be less accessible for those with smaller cars.
IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE?
There is no entry fee, however you may be asked to offer a gold coin donation for parking or within the Festa.
A couple of gold coins won’t buy you much but it can collectively make a big difference to our Festa. Did you know that the Mirboo North Italian Festa is run entirely by volunteers? Although it’s a FREE event to you, it costs around $40,000 to stage! So this year we are asking for a gold coin donation in exchange for a LUCKY TICKET. One number will be drawn out each hour to win a $50 cash prize. (Check and Claim at the Information Desk). The Walter Tuck Reserve Committee will also be asking for a gold coin donation for parking at the football ground. This money will go to their club for improvements to their facilities.
GRAZIE in anticipation of your support!
CAN I BRING PETS/ANIMALS TO THE MARKET?
While we don’t say no, please bear in mind that the Festa attracts large crowds of people. It can be quite difficult to navigate walkways in some places and it can be quite overwhelming for animals!
Animals must remain on a short leash at all time and are not to enter areas within 10m of food vendors. Food is located within various areas of the park – so if you bring an animal, you will be restricted as to where you can go!
WILL THERE BE ALCOHOL?
Yes, we have three bars and local wineries and a brewery offering cold beverages on the day.
Please note that Baromi Park is a red line area. Taking alcohol outside of the grassed area is strictly prohibited.
WILL THERE BE EFTPOS OR ATM FACILITIES?
Many of our stall holder offer a form of EFTPOS, but we will also have ATM facilities available and the Bendigo Bank ATM is located in the main street, just across from the park.
WILL THE FESTA OR EVENT BE CANCELLED IF IT IS RAINING?
Months and months of planning goes in to creating these events, so it would take A LOT to have to cancel it, and the logistics of moving dates is horrendous. So no, the chances of cancelling the market due to rain is very low!
We encourage our stall holders to be prepared for any kind of weather – after all, we do live in Victoria!
DO YOU HAVE CHILD FRIENDLY FACILITIES?
The Mirboo North Playgroup (located in the center of Baromi Park) will be open with seating for nursing mums, toilets and a play area for parents and young children (under 5).
We have a wonderful kids area set up in the park including, play equip and giant inflatables. The Bendigo Bank will also be providing some lawn games on the grass for those who are young, or young at heart!
DOES THE EVENT HAVE SUITABLE WHEELCHAIR/ACCESSIBLE ACCESS?
Baromi Park is a fully accessible venue providing inclusive access for those with disabilities. At the Western End of the park, there is accessible parking available as well as an accessible toilet. There will also be an additional accessible toilet within the park and the Shire Hall across the road will be open for use.
Please note, the footpaths can become quite congested at various times so it is good to allow time to move around.
AM I TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR A STALL?
Applications for the event closed in October.
You can go on the Waiting List by clicking this link https://www.booevents.com.au/market-waiting-list
HOW DO WE GET INVOLVED AS A SPONSOR?
These events couldn’t run without the generous help of sponsors, whether donating funds, equipment or services, every little bit helps! If you are interesting in becoming a sponsor, or know of a business or an individual that might be, please let us know via email at info@italianfesta.net
We would love for any business to get involved, especially to help us fund some of the free children’s activities we’d like to offer, or even to offer an activity themselves!