The return of the Keilor Gift has proven a boon for local businesses.
The historic foot race was back at the Keilor Recreation Reserve on February 10 after a year off last year and was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and strong returns for nearby businesses.
Keilor Business Association president Neville Young said Keilor Village came alive on the morning of the race.
“We had a family fun day in the morning, and there were people everywhere,” he said. “The weather held off for us so it was really good.
“We had over 800 sausages sold at the sausage sizzle, pony rides going for hours, I think 350 double pony rides all up and about 450 to 500 kids go through the petting
zoo.
“It was really good to see people in the Village supporting local businesses and getting ready for the racing later on.”
Mr Neville said the effects of not having the Gift last year, as well as the lost business after the council offices relocated to Sunshine, had definitely been felt by traders in the past 12 months.
“It has been noticeably quieter in the area since the council moved, so having these events does help us,” Mr Neville said.
“I think things like the Gift help to attract people back to the Village and we hope that it will have a positive flow-on effect.
“I know all the businesses were rapt to see so many people here and everyone I have spoken to said they did a strong day of business, which is all good news.
“It’s a beautiful little shopping village … quite unique and friendly.
“Everyone here is very proud of their shops and it’s a very personable shopping experience so it’s different from other centres.”
Plans are already under way for a repeat of the festivities next year, with hopes of growth based on this year’s success.
“We’re hopeful of making it bigger and better,” Mr Young said.
“For our first year it was really good, but we’re meeting soon to hear everyone’s ideas for what we can do next year and really grow this.”
While an ongoing funding commitment for the Gift was not approved in the most recent council budget, Gift chairman Hayden Kelly has previously said he was confident about the event’s future.
“We do have some confidence that the event is safe, at least in the life of this council,” Mr Kelly said.
