By Vanessa Chircop
HOBSONS Bay was kept on its toes last week, with thousands of people flocking to its beaches and parks to make the most of Australia Day.
There was something for everyone and even the weather co-operated, with the sky staying blue throughout the day.
For many, marking the arrival of the First Fleet was spent soaking up some sun at the beach or competing in the array of events.
Altona beach hosted the Western Suburbs Triathlon Club, triathlon series while Williamstown beach hosted the annual Mobil Altona Refinery One and Two kilometre Swim.
Seventy-nine people became Australian Citizens at a special ceremony at the Williamstown Town Hall and Logan Reserve hosted a special Australia Day in Altona festival.
There was a market, activities for children, horse and carriage rides, jumping castles, a sand castle competition, a sausage sizzle, face painting and live music.
Altona Homestead was also open all day, serving billy tea and damper and the annual Australia Day Breakfast at the Williamstown Town was a popular choice for many.
The Festival of Sails, a sailing regatta featuring more than 400 yachts, was a favourite for many with boats sailing from Williamstown to Geelong, the oldest ongoing sporting event in Victoria.
Celebrations continued over the weekend with Movies by the Bay screening an Aussie classic Muriel’s Wedding on Friday night and Vika and Linda performing as part of Summer Sounds on Sunday.
But for some, Australia Day was spent at a quiet backyard barbecue with family and friends or eating fish and chips in a park just enjoying the day off.
