Wodonga might not gain a giant metal fish out of this Commonwealth Games, but the city is just as eager to roll out the red carpet for the baton relay runners.
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The baton last came through in 2006, when a steel yellow-tailed snapper that represented Jamaica – there were 72 for each country – was gifted to council.
It’s still displayed at the Wodonga Leisure Centre pool hall.
Mayor Anna Speedie hoped hundreds would again line the streets of the city to welcome the runners through on Thursday morning.
“We’ve got some of our fantastic locals carrying the baton and I think it will be a terrific morning,” she said.
“On Thursday morning there will be the Fruit Flies performing, stalls and plenty of things happening and we’ll have the official ceremony at about 10.20am.
“The Commonwealth Games is a world event, to be any part of that is pretty significant.
“It helps to keep our young sports people inspired to aim for the international level.”
The baton will begin its journey about 8am at Catholic College Wodonga and head along to Melrose Drive, before going up Brockley St and stopping at Wodonga Senior Secondary College.
Runners will then turn onto Beechworth Rd, into High St, and finishing at Junction Square for a community celebration.
The following roads will be closed:
- Church St between Elgin Boulevard and Bond St from 6am to 12.30pm.
- High St between Lawrence St and South St from 8.30am to 11am.
- Silva Drive from 9am to 10am.
- Melrose Drive between Felltimber Creek Road/Pearce St and Brockley St from 9am to 10.15am.
- Brockley St between Melrose Drive and Beechworth Road from 9am to 10.40am.
- Elgin Boulevard between Hovell St and Smythe St from 9am to 11am.
- Beechworth Road between Wilson St and Lawrence St 9am to 10.45am. (North bound lane only).
