As part of the Olympics celebration, the torch relay passed through Echuca on July 25 with the Riverine Herald providing significant coverage of the event.
Wednesday, July 26, 2000
THOUSANDS braved the winter chill at Victoria Park, Echuca yesterday evening to absorb the amazing atmosphere of the Olympic Torch Relay.
The spirited crowd cheered as one to greet Echuca man Russell Parsons as he strode onto the oval to light the celebration site cauldron.
It all went off with military precision. It was cold and windy but the showers cleared for the celebration and the spirit of the Games took over.
Mr Parsons, 56, who was accompanied by Lockington girl Laura Hopkins into Victoria Park, summed up his emotions after lighting the cauldron.
“I suppose you watch these things on television and read about it in the paper and you get a little blasé about it,” he said.
“It couldn’t be that good, but it is that good.”
Friday, July 28, 2000
BETWEEN 5000 and 6000 people flocked to Echuca’s Victoria Park on Tuesday evening for the Olympic Torch Relay celebration.
Streets were busy again on Wednesday morning as the torch left Echuca headed for Rochester.
Campaspe Shire tourism and leisure services manager Frank Relay said torch relay officials had told local organisers the crowd on Tuesday night could have been as high as 9000 if the weather had been kinder.
However, Mr Ryan said that the crowd was “fantastic” considering the cold winds and showers on the day.
“The number of people who watched the relay at the corner of Dickson and Warren St was tremendous,” he said.
The fireworks were sponsored by Rich River Golf Club and Moama Bowling Club.
Echuca Federal Band, St Joseph’s College band and the combined St Mary’s and St Joseph’s choir also entertained the crowd at Victoria Park oval.
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