The Federation Festival is an annual event organised by the Rotary Club of Corowa. The festival was first held in 1980 and celebrates Corowa’s place in history as the ‘birthplace of Federation’ (The Corowa Federation Conference of 1893 saw the beginning of the push for Federation by the people living in Australia’s six colonies).
The three-day Federation Festival traditionally takes place in January to coincide with the inauguration of the Federation on January 1, 1901, and the celebration of Australia Day. In 2014, the Rotary Club of Corowa took over the organisation of the Federation Festival and reinvigorated the Federation market. In 2016, they introduced the Federation dinner and the Tim Fischer Oration, which is held on the Friday of the Australia Day weekend. The club also revived the Federation Parade, which takes place on the Sunday.
Locals and visitors are treated to a range of amazing bands, music and festival activities, with markets, buskers, food and wine experiences, a Bachelors and Spinsters Ball, and the grand parade along Sanger Street.
On the Saturday night there is a fireworks display at RSL Park. The park is located in the centre of the town, allowing attendees to walk to the event with a picnic and locals to see the display from their homes. Entertainment is provided by a local DJ. Food and drink stalls are also provided.
Local businesses, such as Essential Energy, sponsor the major prizes for the best floats on show, including $1,000 for the winning float.