Preparations are on for Goulburn Lilac City Festival

Committee president Carol James said that the committee members are meeting regularly and working towards organising the festival.

"At this stage, we are going ahead with the festival preparations and hoping that the events will take place as planned," Cr James said.

The festival, established in 1951, is Australia's longest continuously-run community festival.

READ ALSO: Goulburn Lilac City Festival: Fun, colour and return of parade

This year, a canoe race will be held as part of the Lilac Festival for the first time.

"We are always looking for new ideas and different things to do. With the walking track, we thought, everyone will be able to see the race," she said.

The route for the participants is likely to be from Fitzroy Bridge to Victoria Street bridge.

Races for different age groups will be held including a short one for the kids and another one for younger people.

READ ALSO: Goulburn Lilac City Festival is bigger and better than ever

In 2019, the festival marked the re-incarnation of the street parade which was missing for the few years and has a long history of community involvement.

However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, things are looking a bit uncertain regarding the street parade this year.

"We have asked people to think about what we can put together and then just wait to see how to go ahead as we get closer to the date," Cr James said.

Meanwhile, events like garden competition, baby competition, and window competitions will be held this year.

READ ALSO: Goulburn's Lilac Festival organisers call for board members

"We are going to encourage people to light up their windows or buildings with lilac," Cr James said.

Another popular event held every year is the pet parade organised by the RSPCA.

"However, it all depends on the COVID-19 situation at the time," she added.

The committee's next meeting is on Thursday, August 6 at Goulburn Soldiers Club.

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"The meeting for members is at 7pm. Any member or someone who wants to become a member of the Lilac Committee is welcome to join us and share their ideas for the festival," she said.

The festival was named the Lilac City Festival because lilacs grew all along the back of Belmore Park and near the railway station at that time.

The three-day festival is held over the October long weekend.

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