WATER shot out from fire trucks and Easter eggs flew through the air as Beechworth celebrated its annual Golden Horseshoes Festival at the weekend.
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High energy dance troops moved to the drums during the main parade followed by French mimes and even some cheeky brewers.
Thousands descended on the historic town to celebrate the event, which marked 161 years since aspiring politician Daniel Cameron rode into town on a horse shod with golden horseshoes.
Cameron rode in from the richest claim of Woolshed fields to the Star Hotel where the September 1855 election was held on the balcony.
His publicity stunt won him the position and that night, the town drank for free as they celebrated Cameron's victory.
IGA put a lot into it and it was good to see the staff on the float – it really showed community spirit.
- Christine Cansfield-Smith
Nowadays, the town celebrates the occasion in a different fashion.
The Walk of Witness took place on Friday morning from St Andrew’s Uniting Church followed by a Golden Putter golf competition.
Saturday was the main day as the town's streets became lined with cars.
People walked through the markets, went on the show rides, listened to bands and flocked to Ford Street for the parade.
Parade co-ordinator Christine Cansfield-Smith said they had 38 entrants, which was bigger than last year.
“People were very happy, we had some entertainers and professional performers in town,” she said.
“We had Tubby the robot, stilts walkers and the Australian Stockman which was a mime statue… We also added a golden horseshoe on the roundabout.
“We set it up for people to take their photos with for a competition by using #EasterinBeechworth.”
Stand-out floats included the Beechworth IGA moving store and the Stanley Water Warriors, who both received big reactions from the crowd.
Ms Cansfield Smith said the theme was music and fun in a bid to add more music to this year's parade.
“The award for the best float which stands out was won by IGA,” Ms Cansfield-Smith said.
"They put a lot into it and it was good to see the staff on the float – it really showed community spirit.”
