Snapshot of the past - "Back to Drouin"

A photograph of the large crowd at the "Back to Drouin" carnival in April 1929.
The crowd is standing in front of the old railway station entrance.
Note the well-dressed adults and children, band members at front left, and the old vehicles in the background.
The "Back to Drouin" carnival ran from Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29 in 1929, culminating in a "Grand Farewell Ball" in the Drouin Mechanics' Institute.
The festivities began - according to the brochure - with the arrival of the Back to Drouin special train, which left from Melbourne and arrived at 11.45am.
A monster reception at the railway station featured a short welcome address and a song of welcome by the school children. The afternoon entertainment included pony races at the racecourse and a reunion picnic with novelty races for adults and children at the Drouin Recreation Reserve.
The day finished with a "Grand Old-Time Ball" in the mechanics' institute, with old-time costumes and an old-time orchestra.
Saturday morning was a back-to-school day, "where your former teacher will greet you". Attendees were told "school costume to be worn".
Later in the morning, a mock court was held in Main St and a procession and gala sports event held at the recreation reserve.
The back-up plan in the event of rain was a picture program at the mechanics' hall. Saturday evening saw community singing followed by a "Grand Gala Night Concert".
On Sunday, a special church service was held in the morning and an Anzac memorial service at the mechanics' institute at 3pm.
The evening program was a sacred concert and community singing in the hall, commencing at 9pm.
The final day was Monday, with motor trips on offer to local beauty spots in the morning and afternoon. A cricket match, tennis and croquet games of locals versus old-timers were also played in the afternoon. The evening finished with the "Grand Farewell Ball" in the mechanics' institute.
"The Sun News" in Melbourne reported more than 800 invitations were sent out for the four-day carnival, with more than 500 visitors accepting.
Photograph and information courtesy of Drouin History Group.
Visit drouinhistorygroup.org.au to find out more about local history or the group.