SouthFest, the celebration of all things Tuggeranong, will not be on this year due to COVID-19, but smaller events are taking its place, including SpringFEST at Erindale on Saturday.
The SEE-Change Tuggeranong Group and Tuggeranong Uniting Church are organising the sustainability day which will also tie in with the Spring Scarecrow Festival, part of Floriade: Reimagined.
Workshops from worm farming to reducing food waste will be held at the Erindale Neighbourhood Centre and the church in Comrie Street, Wanniassa (opposite the Erindale shops) from 9am to 3pm on Saturday. (You need to register for the workshops here.)
The festivities have even persuaded Tuggeranong Uniting minister Reverand Elizabeth Raine to don a tutu and act as the COVID Fairy Marshal making sure everyone stays safe at the event.
"Some of the congregation dared me to do it, so game on," she said, with a laugh. "This is a COVID-safe event and a lot of people have put in a lot of work to make it a success."
There will be an all-day pre-loved clothing stall, plant stall, BBQ and devonshire teas.
"We also hope people will be inspired by our community garden and enjoy our Floriade gardens," Reverend Elizabeth said.
Scarecrows will line the street, adding to the garden theme.
Senator Katy Gallagher will open SpringFEST at 10am on Saturday.
Then, the spring-time Blessing of the Animals will be held at 9.30am on Sunday in the church carpark.
Bring along your pet for the traditional blessing.
Dogs should be on a lead, cats in an appropriate carry box. Smaller animals such as mice and rabbits should also be in a box.
If your animal is not of the social persuasion, you can bring a soft toy to be bless in their place.
