Visitors travelled far and wide to the region for the Easter long weekend.
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From athletics and the iconic Stawell Gift, to thoroughbred racing at the Stawell Cup - there was plenty of reason for visitors to flock to the region.
Eleven-year-old Milla visited with her family because her great grandfather James Morrissey ran in the Stawell Gift, and her family has visited Stawell for more than 60 years.
"We come camping at Stawell every Easter as a family tradition," she said.
"I really like Stawell, it's really fun .
"We also visit Halls Gap when we are here and have a walk around and get some ice cream."
Another visitor was Sharn Jenkins, a former Stawell resident who returned to support her "dear" friends Heidi and Dane Smith at the Stawell Cup.
"I grew up here and over the last few years Heidi and I have reconnected and she invited me along to the races," she said.
Ms Jenkins said she hoped to get to the last day of the Stawell Gift.
"My father, Terry Jenkins is an avid runner and participated in the fun run on Sunday morning," she said.
"Stawell has changed a lot over the years. I can't believe the attendance at the Stawell Cup - it's really well patronised and so many people making a real effort.
"I popped over to the fashions and it was wonderful to see. Everyone got into the mood and created such a terrific atmosphere."
Allie Guy and Jayden Brant entered Stawell Gift's fashion on the fields on Saturday.
"We are camping in the region and thought it would be fun to come down for the weekend," Ms Guy said.
"We haven't done too much, just relaxed at our camp by the river and enter the fashions."
Mother and daughter Sally and Kelly Straughan attended the Stawell Cup on Saturday.
"This is my second year attending the Stawell Cup and mum's first," Ms Straughan said.
"We are from South East Melbourne and my partner has a house in Beaufort and we tie a visit to the Stawell Cup in with our Easter plans.
"It was a great day, a really good family day. Mum backed in a winner so she was happy."
Sue Ingram and Rod Minehan arrived from Melbourne to camp at Halls Gap, but made a point of going to the Stawell Cup.
"We come up for Easter and enjoy the racing," Ms Ingram said.
"We like the country - it's very down to earth."
Meanwhile, Glenda Canty made a huge effort to get to Stawell for the races.
"I've just driven from Queensland," she said.
"I have relatives in Ararat and Stawell."
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