Merrigum National Events
As a small town in Victoria, Australia, Merrigum, is known for its natural beauty, friendly residents, and community events. Throughout the year, locals and visitors alike can take part in a variety of nationally or globally recognized annual events. These events are a great way to explore the town's culture, history, and traditions. In this post, we'll highlight some of the most popular annual events that people might observe in and around Merrigum.
1. ANZAC Day (April 25): ANZAC Day is one of the most important national events in Australia. It commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. ANZAC Day is observed by holding a dawn service followed by a parade. Locals in Merrigum usually attend the ANZAC Day service at the Merrigum RSL memorial located on RSL Park.
2. Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday of November): Melbourne Cup is Australia's most prestigious horse racing event. It is held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, but people all around Australia celebrate the day by dressing up and attending local events. In Merrigum, locals usually celebrate the day by attending a Melbourne Cup lunch held at either the Merrigum Golf Club or Merrigum Hotel.
3. Christmas Day (December 25): Christmas is a globally recognized annual event celebrated around the world. In Merrigum, people usually attend church service in the morning and spend time with family and friends for a Christmas lunch or dinner. The town also has an annual Christmas carols event, where locals gather in the town square to sing carols and embrace the holiday spirit.
4. New Year's Eve (December 31): As the year comes to a close, people around the world celebrate the start of a new year with fireworks and celebrations. Merrigum usually celebrates with a New Year's Eve party held in the town square. The event includes live music, food stalls, and a fireworks display at midnight.
5. Australia Day (January 26): Australia Day is a nationally recognized public holiday that marks the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson in 1788. The day is celebrated with a number of events and activities, including barbecues, live music, sports games, and more. In Merrigum, locals usually celebrate the day by attending the Australia Day community breakfast, followed by a flag-raising ceremony and a cricket match at the Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
6. Easter (March/April): Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed by attending church services and participating in various activities, such as Easter egg hunts and Easter parades. In Merrigum, locals usually attend a Good Friday church service and participate in an Easter egg hunt held at the Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
7. Harvest Festival (March/April): The Merrigum Harvest Festival is an annual event that celebrates the town's agricultural industry. The festival includes a parade, exhibitions of livestock and produce, live entertainment, food stalls, and more. The Harvest Festival is a great way for locals and visitors to learn more about the town's agricultural heritage and to celebrate the abundance of local produce.
Merrigum's nationally or globally recognized annual events showcase the town's culture, history, and traditions. These events bring the community together, promote local industries, and provide opportunities for visitors to experience the town's unique and authentic charm. Whether you're a local or a tourist, there is always something to celebrate in Merrigum!