Kalorama Chestnut Festival

The Kalorama Chestnut Festival is a fundraising event hosted by the Mt Dandenong Preschool and Mt Dandenong Primary School. The Festival has been running for over 30 years and has become a local institution and a much-loved family day out for not only the local community but also visitors seeking a taste of Autumn in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. The Mount Dandenong preschool was damaged severely in last year’s storm. The preschool is currently working from a temporary space in Olinda Primary School. Unfortunately, we are unable to access the damaged building, and much, if not all of the chestnut festival items are stored underneath the building. Hence, we are having to ‘build again’, buying new Chestnut roasters, generators, marquees and other necessary items. We have been supported by numerous local businesses, which is in keeping with the community spirit largely brought on by the storms last year. Shlomit Moria is a chainsaw sculptor and will be sculpting pieces live on site that have been salvaged from the storms. She is famous for the beautiful creations that adorn Olinda play space. She was moved by the story of the preschool being demolished in the storms and has gifted her time and expertise so we can raise funds to support the rebuilding of this important facility. These sculpting pieces will be auctioned off at the chestnut festival in the afternoon. At the heart of the Festival is the chestnut itself, a humble and under-utilised nut which can be found in abundant supply throughout the Hills. Chestnuts have been grown in Australia for over 100 years and for the hills community are synonymous with Autumn. The familiar smell of roadside chestnut roasting stalls is a special reminder of the changing of seasons. The Festival averages around 60 stalls selling and promoting a large variety of items including, produce, jewellery, clothing, preserves, novelty items, toys, artwork and craft stalls, along with local community groups and businesses. The kindergarten and primary school also host a number of stalls themselves, making it a true celebration of the local Mt. Dandenong, Olinda and Kalorama community. The power of this humble nut bringing together our community is something to behold. Come and join us on this special fun filled family event. For general enquiries contact Marina 0425 124 291 For stall information contact Jaki 0435 950 067 Location: Kalorama Memorial Reserve Mt. Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama Date: Sunday 1st May 2022 Time: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm MARINA JOB and JAKI FARREY https://chestnutfestival.org.au/site/about-the-festival/

Shaun and Chris volunteer sausage sizzlers