THE 2016 Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival will get its samba on as the “Horses go to Rio” theme was recently unveiled.
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The popular annual event, celebrating its 36th anniversary, is scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15.
And, pundits are predicting this year’s festival will be the most exciting yet, with Horses go to Rio set to bring a new level of fun and colour to the region.
“We really wanted to up the ante in 2016 and do something a bit crazy that everyone can get involved with,” Horse Festival Committee president Lee Watts said.
“We can’t wait to see how businesses decorate their shopfronts and the horse parade should be a sight to behold with dancers and feathers making their way down Kelly Street.”
The business with the best decorated shopfront will win a free ad in next year’s program valued at $880.
The popular bumper sticker competition is also back in 2016.
Everyone is being encouraged to pick up a bumper sticker from the Neighbourhood Centre or the Visitor Information Centre, pop it on your car and then listen to ABC rural on a Monday morning to hear if your number plate is announced.
The lucky winner will receive a Horse Festival polo shirt.
The festival will officially begin on May 5 with presentations to sponsors and VIPs at Vinery Stud.
“There are many amazing people who have contributed so much to the equine industry that deserve recognition,” Mrs Watts said.
“We’re calling on the public to nominate a person they believe to be a worthy recipient of the Horse Festival VIP for 2016.”
Many of the festival events have returned this year including the Australian Stock Horse Society Ball, Yarns Night at the RSL Club and the Inglis Horse Festival Calcutta at Scone Sporties.
The full program will be out in February.
Festival merchandise including polo shirts, caps and stubby holders will be available for purchase at the Scone Neighbourhood Centre, the Visitor Information Centre and Scone Newsagency.
“Sponsorship is absolutely necessary to keep the Horse Festival going,” Mrs Watts said.
“If any businesses would like to help make it a success, please phone me on 0413 036 628.
“This year, Muswellbrook and Singleton are also helping to promote the event in their areas.”
To keep up to date with the Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival, visit the new website at www.sconehorsefestival.com.au, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
