Shepparton’s Queen’s Gardens were filled with throngs of people, as well as Albanian songs, dance and food on Sunday, March 19, for the annual Albanian Harvest Festival.
Event co-ordinator Reg Qemal was pleased with the success of this year’s festival, with hundreds of people attending.
Now in its 24th year – and the second time at this venue – the Albanian Harvest Festival was a day to celebrate all things Albanian.
A band and a DJ entertained the crowd, while three different dance groups performed traditional dances throughout the day.
The Albanian food, cooked by a team of volunteers was also a big hit.
Petulla – traditional Albanian doughnuts – were especially popular, with those cooking kept busy.
A barbecue of traditional Albanian food, as well as baklava, lacrore – Albanian pies – sweet cakes, biscuits and pickles were also on offer to delight the tastebuds.
Local fruit growers donated fruit and vegetables which were snapped up by people to take home.
There was also a ‘kids zone’, with plenty of activities to keep youngsters entertained.
Mr Qemal said the day is the largest Albanian festival in Australia.
He was proud that it was unique among other festivals held in Shepparton, with the food cooked by local volunteers and all Albanian.
He praised all the volunteers for helping at this year’s festival, estimating that more than 100 people gave up their time in helping organise it or on the day itself.
“It’s the largest fundraising event for the year for our Albanian community,” he said.