The future of Harcourt Swinning Pool in doubt

We have has some great press so far from the Castlemaine Mail and tonight on Win news to alert the community of the potential plight of the Harcourt pool, if the aquatic study goes through Mt Alexander Council unopposed. We have had thus far, over 300 signatures to the petition to keep the pool open. It is important now for residents to make submissions in writing to Council by way of feedback.

For more details see
harcourt.vic.au/news/pool and subscribe to the Harcourt Happens newsletter to be updated

IDOL ANNOUNCES JUDGES FOR 2010

Isabella Mizzi, the 15 year old organiser of this year's Harcourt Idol, today announced the judges for this year's competition.  They are Jonathan Ridnell, from ABC Local Radio, Penny Larkin, a local actor/singer with a national profile and one half of Pot'n Kettle, and Catherine Northey, Jazz chantuese and soprano from operatic quartet Quattro Voci. 

Both Penny and Catherine have impressive musical resumes with renowned solo and ensemble performances spanning folk, jazz, Gilbert & Sullivan, opera and chorale. More importantly for the Harcourt Idol, both are qualified vocal coaches with an interest in developing local talent. Jonathan, known for his strong commitment to local community, has a continuing interest in local music and is a member of the Bendigo folk club.


Harcourt Idol has returned in 2010 for the 19th Harcourt Applefest after a year off in 2009. Isabella Mizzi had performed at Harcourt Idol since moving to Harcourt in 2004 and saw it as an integral part of the festival and wanted to bring it back. “I could see that opportunities for local kids to perform were disappearing” said Isabella. “The only way Harcourt Idol could return was for someone to volunteer to run it, so I decided that I could do this. However, the only way it will be a success is for young performers in the region to give it a go.”

There are three age groups being contested: 12 and under, 13 to 17 years and 18 years and over. The main sponsor for the Harcourt Idol is InstrAmental Music Centres in Castlemaine and Kyneton.

Entry forms can be found at www.harcourtapplefest.org.au

Red Hill Hotel Applepie eating heat

Winner of today's heat was Jodie Nunn in 31 seconds, Jodie has put out the challenge to other wouldbe champions and is looking forward to facing them in the finals on the 6th of March @ 3pm on the main stage at the Harcourt Applefest this year. Past champion and organiser Paul Mizzi was impressed by Jodie's focus and commitment.

- Posted while out & about

Heat 5 of the harcourt applefest apple pie eating comp

This was won tonite, at the Theatre Royal, by Nick Lewis of Castlemaine. Nick easily outpaced the field and finished a good 15 seconds ahead of second place. He will be a frontrunner at the final on Saturday 6th March. Nick is pictured, 2nd from the left, wiping the final lick of cream from his face.







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Third heat of apple pie eating competition

The third round was won in a nail biting win by Luke Farley at the Elphinstone Hotel. The pies disappeared quickly in a round that was run with kids eating half a pie and adults a whole pie. Last year's winner at the Elphinstone Hotel was in fine form but lost in the end due to a lack of neatness. Although adults and kids competed together, the kids never stood a chance.







- Posted while out & about

CWA joins Harcourt Community Website

After a meeting with some of the ladies from the Harcourt CWA, they have agreed to be involved with the community website, their new home has been created at harcourt.vic.au/cwa and we hope to have some information included in the near future.

Apple pie eating competition round two

The second heat has been run and won in a ajudicated finish at the Crown Hotel in Newstead. In a split decision the heat was taken out by Garry Holmes over Peter Stemp, the controversial win saw Garry winning over Peter as he finished with a cleaner face. The official Apple pie eating rules state the first winner with the cleanest face.






- Posted while out & about

HARCOURT APPLEFEST 2010 BYPASSES THE FREEWAY WITH OPERA IN THE PARK ON MARCH LONG WEEKEND

There is something for everyone in this Applefest. Check the website at http://www.harcourtapplefest.org.au/

If you love art, then get to the Art Show on Friday 5th March.
If you want to party and you are aged 10 to 18 then get along to the iParty on Friday night.

If you love a market, then get there on the morning of Saturday 6th.
If you love a parade then get there by noon on Saturday 6th. If you want to be part of the parade then complete this form.
If you like to sing then fill in an Entry Form and come along to Harcourt Idol on Saturday afternoon.
If you love baking then catch the Pie Baking on Saturday afternoon. If you want to bake then complete this form.
If you love eating then catch the heats and final of the Apple Pie Eating on Saturday afternoon.
If you love music and Opera then buy a ticket from the website here and come along on Saturday night.

If Sunday is your day of worship then come along to the service on Sunday morning.
If you like to have fun and run then complete this form and come along on Sunday morning.
If you have pets to parade or ferrets to race, then come along on Sunday for the pet parade and ferret race.
If you like to cycle then roll along to the Bike Rally on Sunday afternoon.
And if you like to relax on a Sunday afternoon then finish your day at the Harcourt Tavern with live entertainment for all to enjoy from 2pm.

If you are part of the local community, come along to the Community Picnic in James Park.
Bring a salad or dessert to share. Spit roast and sausages provided.
BYO guitar or acoustic instrument and your voice.