Activities celebrating the Finley School of Arts 120th anniversary brought Finley alive at the weekend.
Events were well supported, and revellers also supported the separate but perfectly timed Finley Regional Care Local Artisan and Creativity Expo in the War Memorial Hall on Sunday.
The mural by artist Damien Mitchell on the side wall of the Finley School of Arts was completed in time for the weekend, celebrating 120 years since the opening of the SOA building.
Damien was very approachable, answering many questions put to him over the week as the amazing scenes took place.
Members of the management committee were delighted to showcase the artwork during the celebrations.
On Friday, dancers from Finley and surrounding areas stepped back in time - actually 120 years back in time - when they attended the masquerade ball in the Finley School of Arts Hall.
This event was the start of the weekend’s 120 years celebration of the heritage listed building.
As in yesteryear, the hall was beautifully decorated by the local committee and the ambient atmosphere added to the enjoyment of those who had dressed in a large variety of costumes for the occasion.
Merle Hargraves from Mulwala was judged Best Dressed Lady, and Ian Whitely from Shepparton took the prize for Best Dressed Man.
Merle was very excited to be chosen as her costume had been designed especially for her some years ago and this was the first occasion she has had to display it.
The organisers would like to thank the local CWA ladies for providing the superb supper and Finley IGA, Daisy Mae, Finley Pharmacy, Three Girls Homewares and Marcia Pyle Hairdressing for supplying the prizes.
The Finley Dance Group has practice in the School of Arts hall each Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and the monthly dance is held on the fourth Friday of each month.
New members are most welcome and further information can be obtained by contacting Jan Gray on 0429 619 957.
The second day of celebration saw the hall open for inspection, attended by many people.
Memorabilia of uses of the hall was on display and free morning and afternoon teas were provided, with many stories and memories exchanged throughout the day.
An incredible display was put together by members of what were originally the Finley Musical Society and Finley Amateur Dramatic Society, which later combined to become the Finley Amateur Dramatic and Musical Society. They showcased costumes worn in productions over the years.
Some members also dressed in some of the costumes to add emphasis.
There were also several albums of photos taken over the years which brought back many happy memories of times gone by.
One could not report on the success of this weekend without mentioning the planning and work extended by Jan and Ted Gray, two members of the hall management committee.
The time and dedication they give, not only for this weekend but throughout the year in the use and upkeep of the hall, is incredible.
The School of Arts management committee would like to thank everyone who assisted in making the weekend a memorable one.
Special thanks to Finley Regional Care Auxiliary, Finley Dance Group and the three museums who opened on Saturday – Close’s Foundry, Finley Log Cabin and Finley Railway.
It was a great combination to showcase the many attractions the Finley community has to offer.
So much effort has been extended by so many individuals and groups to mark the preceding 120 years of the Finley School of Arts Hall and it is hoped that many more memories will be made in the next 120 years.