An event attracting an estimated 20,000 people to enjoy Warragul streets being transformed into a winter wonderland has been named the state's top regional event.
Snowfest Gippsland, featuring a family night of snow play and activities in the business precinct, took out Victoria's best regional event at the Australian Event Awards in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday.
Members of the volunteer committee travelled to attend the awards night.
"We were thrilled," committee member Karin Jones said of being a finalist. "To be then presented with the best regional event for Victoria was very exciting."
"(It was) rewarding for those of us on the committee but also all the local businesses that make Snowfest what it is."
A volunteer-run event, Snowfest was up against events attracting significant government funding or run by councils or large organisations.
"It was very obvious we were one of the only volunteer groups that were entered," Ms Jones said. "That just makes us even more proud of what we've achieved."
Snowfest Gippsland centres around a low-cost family night in Warragul offering winter and snow-themed activities for all ages as well as displays, food and fireworks. This year's event was held on July 25.
However, after expanding in recent years, it also featured a charity dinner, winter fest in Yarragon, colour dash in Drouin and special events at Mt Baw Baw.
On the back of the award success, Ms Jones said the future was bright for Snowfest Gippsland.
"It is a great event. We want to continue to expand even more.
"We will do what we can to raise the level of funding from the Victorian Government to run an even bigger and better event," she added.
The Australian Event Awards and Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry.
Another state winner also had West Gippsland links.
South Australia's best small regional event was named as the 43rd Mindfull Aus Pichi Richi Marathon. The Flinders Ranges Council event raised awareness and funds for Mindfull Aus, a mental health charity located in Drouin.