Celebrated every March, the festival sees Wauchope come alive to celebrate its floral emblem, the Lasiandra.  Beautiful specimens are dotted around the town and surrounds in full bloom over the month of March.

For a full list of events for the 2017 Lasiandra Festival go to the website, lasiandrafestival.com.au, or pick up a festival program from one of our supporting businesses houses in Wauchope.

The festival continues to evolve, incorporating new events and other community organisations.  The Hastings River Orchid Society Inc. will be holding the “Lasiandra Orchid Show” at the Wauchope RSL Club on Sunday March 26 all day.  

There will be a Mystery Winery Tour on Sunday 19, one bus is already full, so if readers are wanting to join us for a fun day touring some local wineries for tastings, morning tea and BBQ lunch, they need to book a seat asap. 

Cost is $ 45 per person. The contact details for bookings are Chrissy on 0412 137 621 or Sheryl on 65 86 0050.

There will be a fun evening for all the family at Wauchope Country Club, downstairs in the auditorium. 

The “Lasiandra Dance” on Saturday 25th March is purple themed of course with prizes for best dressed.  Commencing at 7.00pm, they encourage dance goers to have dinner upstairs in the club and come on down to dance the night away.

The festival wouldn’t be the same without Purple People Shopping & Market Day  It is a very popular day for business houses, market stall holders and shoppers alike.  The town comes alive in a sea of purple.  

The committee encourage business houses to get into the swing of things by decorating their window fronts, premises and by their staff dressing up on Thursday March 9, Purple People Shopping and Market Day.

Prizes are awarded for the Best Shop Window Fronts, Best Premises Display, Best Staff Costumes and there is a Grand Champion trophy for the Best Overall Effort.  There will be market stalls on the sidewalk and Purple People Day specials from participating businesses. 

Any market stall enquiries should be directed to Chrissy on 0412 137 621.  Sites are limited so its first in best dressed and stalls must be booked prior to the day.

On Saturday March 11, the Hastings Valley Miniature Railway Club will hold a Family Fun Day at Yippin Creek Reserve.  Young and old can ride the mini-rail for a gold coin donation.  There are a couple of rules to ride, you must wear covered shoes and a smile.

There are golf and bowls days at Wauchope Country Club and Jazz in the Vineyards at Bago Winery.  The Lasiandra Committee will host the Festival Awards Presentation in Lasiandra Park on Sunday March 26 from 12 noon. 

Festival President Sam Elphick thanked his small, hardworking committee of eight people – James Wallis / Treasurer, Chrissy Jones / Secretary and General Committee members Sheryl Barnett, Heather McPhail, Des Egan, Chuck Murray and Life Member Stuart Weir. 

“Without their individual efforts the festival simply would not go ahead.  Also, I thank all our festival sponsors and supporters, there are many - check out the website for the full list of sponsors. 

“Plus, I would like to thank whole heartedly both the business houses and community of Wauchope and surrounds.  The continued support from all is appreciated,” he said.