General News
21 November, 2025
Kannamaroo back to its roots in '26
Horsham's Kannamaroo Festival will return to its roots on the Wimmera River in 2026, but on a new date of April 12 instead of the usual date in November.
Kannamaroo, meaning 'beautiful waterhole,' originated in 1980 with festivals held on the river featuring many water-based activities.
Due to drought conditions, it moved to Firebrace Street for several years before moving to Maydale Reserve.
Following community feedback and a full river, it will be held back at the river next year, at Sawyer Park, with a whole new line-up of activities and attractions, as well as many favourites.
This long-running festival remains a free event, emphasising family-friendliness and the opportunity to showcase community pride.
Recently-elected chair Emma Smith has taken on the role with former-chair and organiser Di Bell moving to treasurer after many years at the helm.
"I'm still on board, but I wanted someone new to step into the role with different ideas," Ms Bell said.
The festival is unique to Horsham and is an occasion where local people catch up with mates they haven't seen for a while and enjoy some of the finest food, music, and entertainment the Wimmera has to offer.
It also attracts many tourists and people from the surrounding district.
Ms Smith said she wanted to encourage people to get in touch with her and the committee through the festival Facebook page and to share memories of activities they have enjoyed at festivals they'd like to see incorporated into the next Kannamaroo Festival.
"Being in the school holidays, it should be a popular time for families to get together and enjoy the wonderful Wimmera River that originally inspired the festival more than 40 years ago."
Even though organisers have faced some challenges in past years, due to inclement weather, there has been at least one silver lining.
The fireworks were cancelled last year due to the unusually hot weather and a fire ban, so they are already booked and paid for.
"So we know one of the bigger expenses is already paid for and everyone loves the finale with the fireworks," Ms Smith said.
The festival is almost entirely dependent on sponsors and in-kind support because it is a free event, and organisers have limited opportunities to raise funds.
While organisers would like to bring back many of the water-based activities, insurance costs can be prohibitive, so they are still working on that and hope the river can be a key part of the celebrations.
Both Ms Smith and Bell said no gift of money, time, or ideas is too small because when they all come together, it makes a festival, so all offers would be welcomed.
Organisers encourage community, service, sporting, and school groups to participate through games and activities.
"We'll have food vans and games and music, but with the change of date, we are still in the early stages of planning, so we have time for ideas from the community, and we look forward to involving them in the planning as well as welcoming everyone to the festival," Ms Smith said.