Big crowds gathered at the Albanian Harvest Festival in 2024, with just as many expected to visit this year.
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A beloved annual event is back again to bring the traditional festivities of Albania right to Shepparton’s doorsteps.
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Organised by the Shepparton Albanian Society, the Albanian Harvest Festival is set to return to the Queen’s Gardens on Sunday, April 6 for its 26th year running.
The event’s origins trace back to the late Jim Wymer, an Albanian farmer who envisioned a grand celebration to honour every successful harvest.
“He came up with the concept saying, ‘you know, everyone has these big festivals, why don’t we have a festival?’” Shepparton Albanian Society president Reg Qemal said.
“A lot of the fruit growers would donate fruit and vegetables, and they would have market stalls ... and that’s continued on now.
“And traditional food — so the Albanian community would get together, and they would cook all the traditional Albanian food and sell that on the day.”
Since welcoming the wider community seven years ago, the festival has blossomed into a must-attend event, anticipated by locals and visitors alike.
On April 6, from 11am to 5pm, the entire day promises to be jam-packed full of performances, food stalls and activities to enjoy.
Traditional Albanian dancing will be happening all day, so join in and have some fun.
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Authentic food cooked by the Shepparton Albanian Society and volunteers will be sold across various stalls, with cold drinks for purchase.
Traditional Albanian dancing will be performed by dance groups, with a band and DJ providing music all day.
Families will love the dedicated Kids’ Zone, featuring face painting, interactive games, and a petting zoo — guaranteeing fun for children of all ages.
And a chance to win a trip to Albania will be available.
Purchase a ticket on the day for a chance to win prizes; an $8000 voucher with a trip to Albania included, along with a $1500 voucher and a $500 cash prize, which will be drawn at 4pm.
Entry is free, but a gold coin donation is greatly appreciated.
So bring a chair and a picnic rug along to get the most of your experience at the Albanian Harvest Festival.
“The main focus is the food, the dance, the atmosphere,” Mr Qemal said.
“And bringing the community together, bring in a lot of the Albanian community back to Shepparton for a weekend, and also the local community.
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