Yesterday the sun was shining and the sky was a briliant blue. The weather couldn't have been better for the annual Swiss Italian Festa in Hepburn Springs. All the schools marched together, with goats, music, colour and happy faces. It was so much fun and is a great celebration of the Swiss Italian culture & the wonderful community we live in.
The Swiss Italians came to the Hepburn area during the goldrush of the 1850's, many of them walking to the goldfields from many miles away.
They opened up the Jim Crow goldfields which later became Daylesford. Some of the names of the families who came from across the seas are still around today, Tinetti, Rodini, Gervasoni and Lucini & many others.
We marched along the sunny streets and then along a back lane, dappled in sunlight, winding our way down to the maket day on the green grasses of Hepburn Reserve, under the huge shady trees.
Then we listened to all the gorgeous children singing Italian songs, each school performed, led by a wonderful group of kids from Daylesford Secondary College. All the local schools and kinders had stalls as fundraisers, ours made frog-in-a-pond's in red, white and green.
It really was a glorious day and lovely to see families enjoying it together. The only downside was that there was a big crowd and it was hard to keep track of the kids. I heard later that two little prep boys took off and couldn't be found. After a long search they were found right up at Daylesford, where they had walked to, several kilometres away! How scary is that? I haven't heard the whole story yet but it goes to show how easily children can wander off without being noticed.
The weather is so lovely this weekend, it really makes you feel good. Creeks are full of water and the grass is green and lush and the fresh air smells of blossoms & springtime.
Jim Crow creek
I'm finding life so busy at the moment, it's important for me to still enjoy the beautiful outdoors, the sky and birds and life going on all around me. To also help ease the stress I'm making lists, planning meals for the week, anything to make things run smoothly. My main concern is making sure the kids are settled and enjoying life without too much distruption. I hope I can do all the things I want to do as well!
Hope you have enjoyed some sunshine and happiness this weekend, see you soon xo 