news, local-news, Floride, things to do in Canberra, giant gnome, Floriade in the Suburbs

He has his own Instagram page and, now, all he needs is a name. Floriade is extending into the suburbs this year and part of that will include visits from the new giant pink gnome. A competition to name him is now underway at floriadeaustralia.com/inthesuburbs Local artists, husband and wife Peter and Jenny Filmer, and son, Geoff, were commissioned to create the 2.5m-high, 20 kilo gnome, which was hand-carved from high-density foam and fibreglass. He took more than 500 hours to create. And the giant gnome is likely to become the next selfie target in Canberra. "I'm super-excited about having him pop up everywhere. I think he's going to take off," Geoff said. The trio work under Graffikpaint, which is also responsible for a growing number of murals around the city. Arts and Cultural Events Minister Gordon Ramsay said the most creative entry would win four tickets to Nightfest. "I guarantee the winner will not be Gnomey McGnomeface," he said. Floriade in the Suburbs will feature live music and family entertainment on weekends over spring. "Local residents are encouraged to bring along their picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of food and drinks with live music and family entertainment as they experience a little taste of Floriade in their local area," Mr Ramsay said. "We are extremely lucky in Canberra to have a jam-packed yearly event schedule and we want to continue to ensure that our local events promote positive community and social outcomes for the whole of the ACT." The times and dates for Floriade in the Suburbs - and to see the giant gnome - are: Mr Ramsay said Floriade in Commonwealth Park, opening on September 14 and continuing until October 13, would not be reduced as a result. Floriade had a budget of $4.2 million this year, while Floriade in the Suburbs had been allocated $50,000. "There's certainly no scaling back of Floriade," he said.

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