in Partnership with the University of Melbourne, the 2010 SheppARTon Festival again presents a smorgasbord of cultural and artistic experiences to entertain and excite you over the first two weeks of March. This year the Festival seeks to define the rich and diverse community of the Goulburn Valley by showcasing local and national artists.

The 2010 Festival theme ‘Inspired’ celebrates our independent and culturally tolerant society and the creative ingenuity of negotiating and prospering in challenging times. This is exemplified by the diversity of the program, presenting a spectacular myriad of events including visual, performance, music, poetry, film, literature, multicultural and culinary events.

For more information visit the website www.sheppartonfestival.net.au

This is cutting edge Australian short film at its best!  Shepp Shorts is regarded as one of the best short film festivals in the country.  Fourteen films under 10 minutes in length hit the screen at the Vault.  Fantastic food and drinks available for purchase.

Full: $25, Concession: $22, Under 17: $15, Friends: $22

7.30pm

Supporting St Georges Road Primary School

Light Refreshments Available

Victorian, Interestate and country dealers offering a wide selection of furniture, jewellery, silver, porcelain, linen, lamps, books and many other interesting collectables.

ALL ITEMS FOR SALE

Lucky Door Prize

Admission $7.00, accompanying children FREE

Friday 12th March & Saturday 13th March 10.00am to 5.00pm

Sunday 14th March 10.00am to 4.00pm

Raffle Quilt on display - Proceeds to Hospice.  Raffle Quilt drawn Sunday 14 March at 3.45pm

Adults $5, Concession $4

Friday 12 & Saturday 13: 10.00am - 9.00pm
Sunday 14: 11.00am - 4.00pm

Music by The Astronaut's.  Supper provided.

Adults $8, Family $18

8.00pm to Midnight

Pure Poetry is the culmination recital of emerging poets under the mentorship of renowned Australian poet, Ross Donlon.  Join the Mentoring Program or come to the recital to hear the breadth and individuality of Australian expression interwoven with contemporary Australian piano, cello and clarinet.  Presented by the Ballarat Writer's Association.

Gold coin donation

4.00pm to 5.30pm

As the moon shines down on Queen's Gardens gather on picnic rugs, spread out on the grass and enjoy a film under the stars.  This year will feature Little Big Shots Film Festival for Kids, an inspiring, meaningful and fun-filled festival of the best in children's features, shorts, animations, documentaries and child-produced films.  Followed by Disney Pixar movie - Up.

(Note, Eastbank will be used as an alternative venue in the case of inclement weather).  Refreshments available for purchase.

Free event

7.30pm

Kate Vigo, one of Australia's rising jazz, blues divas, will weave you from Billie Holiday to Feist, by way of Prince and Aretha Franklin.  Her eclectic mix of influences creates a unique foundation for her distinct compositions.  Fine food and a relaxing drink available for purchase.

Full: $40, Concession: $35, Friends: $35

8.00pm

Dookie's rich local product and artistic talent are on show at the Wine'd Down in Dookie Market.  Celebrate the last day of the festival tasting, perusing and purchasing some of the myriad of local produce.  Lots of food, music and entertainment for the whole family in the surrounds of the Dookie Hills.

Free event

11.00am - 3.00pm

Come and see/try many of the dance styles taught at Excell Dance Centre.  A true sampler of dance styles including:

Latin American: Cha Cha, Samba, Jive and Rumba
New Vogue: Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz and March Time Rhythms
Hip Hop
Swing Rock n Roll
Modern Ballroom: Modern Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Tango

Free admission

11.00am - 2.00pm

Tickets $28.00 adults, $25 children under 15

3.00pm-6.00pm.

12.30pm Wednesday 17th March to 4.00pm Sunday 21st March.

With very low prices and wide variety of titles.  Take up this opportunity to obtain a supply of cheap and enjoyable reading.

Proceeds to Toolamba Primary School and Friends of the Shepparton Library Inc.

This event is part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.  Francesca has just returned from Italy and will be presenting a manificent Italian menu using recipes from regions of Piedmont and Calabria.  Monichino wines will be showcasing their exciting new release of Italian varietals.  Dine amongs the wine barrels and the rich nostalgic aromas of past vintages.

Cost $95.00 Italian banquet with matching wines.  Booking essential.

Featuring:
Umbrella packages for $100 (special offer for cup)

Appearance of Doriemus and Rogan Josh; Fashions on the Field; Children's entertainment including jumping castle, face painting and games; Food and wine stalls; Hunter Rural Sponsors Luncheon.

Gates opens at 11.00am - No BYO alcohol permitted

Shuttle bus service to and from the races from 10.30am.  Contact Shepp Transit (03) 5831 2150 to purchase your seat.

Tour de France for Schools!

The Australasian Schools Cycling Cup (ASCC) is a multi-disciplined event, offering secondary school students a great experience in the sport of cycling.

Held in Shepparton and Dookie, schools compete in a variety of disciplines including Road Racing, Time-Trialling, Hill Climbing, Mountain Bike Cross Country, Mountain Bike Down Hill and BMX.  The overall winning schools receive the Peter Bartles Perpetual Trophy.  Both experienced and novice cyclists are encouraged to enter and you can do as many or as few of the disciplines as you like.

Over 60 schools competed in 2009, with five states being represented.  2010 looks set to be even more exciting with the event extending to include the Australasian region.

Donald Cant is one of Australia's leading musical performers, with a career encompassing music theatre, concerts, cabaret, opera, Lieder and recording. Donald was an original cast member of the very successful Australian production of "The Phantom of the Opera" , performing four lead roles during his seven years with the production. The highlight was certainly his highly acclaimed 500 performances in the title role. He returns, by popular demand, after wowing the audience at the 2009 Shepparton Seniors Week concert.

Members: $21.00. Non-members: $25.00. To become a member please contact the Riverlinks Box Office. School and group prices are available please contact the Riverlinks Box Office.

2.00pm

At 8.30pm on Saturday 27 March 2010, millions of people from around the world will join together for Earth Hour. Greater Shepparton City Council is calling on businesses, organisations and individuals to turn off their lights for Earth Hour between 8.30pm-9.30pm on Saturday March 27.

Ian Stewart's music.  Please bring a small plate of supper.

$8 adults, $16 families with under age children

8.00pm - Midnight

Our questions to spirit will be answered through the mediumship of Franzi Klimsch.

Times: 1.30pm to 5.00pm

Admission: $35.00, Members $30.00

Come and listen to Franzi as she gives a very enlightening Trance talk from her Guide.  And after her Guide has finished his address to everyone he will give time for questions and an answers.  Those questions can be related to his talk or can be quite unrelated.  But should be of a "spiritual" nature.

Book early and secure your seat.

Gold Coin donation

9.00am