Snow Fest in Springvale

Bekim, Nekim and Nermina with snow balls at the 2014 Snow Fest. 124114 Picture: ROB CAREW

Snow will make an unlikely appearance in Greater Dandenong this month.
The Springvale Snow Fest is returning to Buckingham Avenue on Sunday 24 July, from noon to 7pm.
More than 80 tonnes of real snow will make its way from Mt Bulla for the award-winning event’s fourth incarnation.
Kids and the young at heart will be able to experience the fun of the snow without travelling hours to the snowfields.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Heang Tak said up to 40,000 people were expected to attend the municipality’s “most popular community festival”.
Entry to the snow play areas is $4, rides start at $2 and there will be free family fun.
Live acts will perform across two stages – there’ll be a blessing from Khmer Buddhist Monks, a Welcome to Country ceremony, a traditional lion dance, a welcome from Cr Tak, Rhythm of Life, The TJ Show, Springvale Neighbourhood House, Dr Jazz, a magic show and Bop Till You Drop.
Ice sculptors will carve artworks and there’ll be food, market and community stalls.
Roving performers will include stilt walkers armed with bubbles, a ghostly snow queen puppet, a magician and funky zebras.
A fireworks display at 6.50pm will wrap up the event.
A second entertainment stage has been introduced this year to focus on entertainment for youths.
The main drawcard will be a FReeZA Push Start Battle of the bands competition heat, which will run from noon to 4.30pm.
A breakdancing competition and glow dance party will follow.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, but free parking will be available at the Number 8 multi-deck car park on Balmoral Avenue and a short walk away at the car park outside Springvale Town Hall.
There’ll be road closures on Windsor, Buckingham and Balmoral avenues.
Visit www.greaterdandenong.com/snowfest for more information.