THE Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras is one of the longest running events in the Wellington Shire. It started in 1957 when a group of Maffra businessmen wanted to raise money for the Maffra Hospital. They were Arthur Watts, Ken Davies, Lex Leslie, Athol Ralph, Harry Van der Mewe and Max Jennings.
That first year, they had ‘penny votes’. The winner was the person who received the most votes, and therefore the most pennies, with all proceeds going to the hospital. This was so successful that it was decided to continue the fundraiser the following year as the Maffra Mardi Gras.
New this year is an award for the best business float in the parade, named after Arthur Watts, one of the inaugural committee members. Arthur served as president of the Rotary Club of Maffra in 1958 and was the foundation chairman of both the Maffra Mardi Gras (21 years) and the Maffra Chamber of Commerce. Ron Bates and Susan Hewlitt were secretaries for the Mardi Gras for many years.
In 1958, the format was begun of raising money over a six-week period leading up to the event, with the person raising the most money announced on the evening of the Mardi Gras as ‘Miss Maffra Mardi Gras’. This has been changed to ‘Winner of the Maffra Mardi Gras’ as there are now both men and women taking part as contestants.
While the format has essentially remained the same – a family fun evening with a parade – over the years there have been train rides for children in Johnson Street and a cycle race, as well as the carnival rides, street stalls and floats, as we know it today.
The Rotary Club of Maffra took over the Mardi Gras in 2009 because of their commitment to the local community as well as insurance requirements. The Maffra Mardi Gras has raised about $4 million for different community groups throughout Wellington Shire.
The words ‘Mardi Gras’ literally mean ‘fat Tuesday’. It originated as a medieval practice of eating rich, fatty foods before fasting for lent, also known as Pancake Tuesday. It was often a three-day festival, still held in many parts of Europe, and became a secular carnival with street parades and elaborate costumes when it reached America, and eventually Australia.
Come and help celebrate the Maffra Mardi Gras on March 18, 2023. Register to have a float, as the Community Bank Maffra and District is awarding large cash prizes for the best three floats! Or just walk with your club to raise awareness of what you do. Stall holders also welcome! Further information and entry forms are available from rcmafframardigras@gmail.com
