The Barossa Vintage Festival Parade is one of the most popular events in the Festival calendar, and was a favourite for the late Bill Biscoe, OAM.
The former Festival chair (from 2009 to 2013) and Barossa historian, made no secret which of the hallmark events was his favourite, and so it seems fitting that the Festival will pay tribute to Bill through a special Parade award.
"The inaugural Bill Biscoe Memorial Award is one that is incredibly special to us," current Festival chair and Parade convenor Carla Wiese-Smith said.
"Bill's contribution to the Festival, as a former chair and in many other roles, was incredible.
"He was a great font of knowledge when it came to the Festival's history, and with the Parade holding a special place in his heart, we felt this was a fitting way to pay tribute to his dedication and passion for the Festival and region."
From the day of his arrival in the region, Bill fully embraced the Barossa, volunteering across a wide swathe of groups including the Vintage Festival.
He was a stalwart of the Festival over many years and had a hand in many of its events and activities, including wine auctions, art prizes, mentoring Young Ambassadors and telling the story of the Barossa Vintage Festival to many generations over many years.
In 2020, Bill received an Order of Australia Medal for his service to the Barossa community, and was also inducted as a Baron of Barossa.
"We are so thankful that Bill's stories have been captured in various formats, preserved for future generations of Festival-goers and Barossans," Carla said."Bill's contribution to the Barossa is a fantastic example of participating in local culture and volunteering for the benefit of the broader community.
"Without people like Bill, events such as the Festival just wouldn't happen, and we hope his example will inspire a new generation of Festival volunteers and participants."
The Bill Biscoe Memorial Award will be judged by a group of his close family and friends – those who knew him best.
All floats in the Parade will be eligible for the award, which will be judged on a range of criteria, including community spirit, preserving Barossa's history, storytelling and design.
Registrations close on March 14, register via the Barossa Vintage Festival website.
