We’re hoping for clear skies for the June long weekend, which will be packed with all the fun and family entertainment of Merriwa’s biggest event.
“Magic of Country” is the theme for the 28th anniversary of the Rosto Festival of the Fleeces.
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The annual Merriwa event celebrates the town’s rich wool heritage since the 1830s.
From humble beginnings, the festival now attracts thousands of visitors each June long weekend, which this year falls on June 8-10, to enjoy traditional country hospitality.
A highlight is the Saturday noon parade led by a flock of 200 sheep in red socks down Merriwa main street.
Magician Amazing Christo opens the festival Friday night with a family magic show with tickets available from the Merriwa Information Centre.
Saturday and Sunday will see a cavalcade of events.
Saturday kicks off from 8am with street stalls, demonstrations of shearing, wool spinning, working sheep dogs, and damper with cockies joy and billy tea, vintage vehicles, pipes and drums, quilt display, dog high jump, Kids’ Corner, rides and sideshow alley.
There’s also a new talent show “Flock of Stars” where you can watch local performers while grabbing a bite in the food court – don’t miss the CWA baked goodies.
Merriwa Showground is a hive of activity with team penning, a sheep poo spitting competition, gum boot throwing and lolly scramble in the afternoon and Ka-Boom Fireworks at 6pm.
Sunday has more team penning, a “blessing of the fleece” service at the Holy Trinity Church and the Bush Poets Breakfast at 8am, with $500 in prizes for budding bush poets and a hearty breakfast for all for just a $5 donation at the door.
“We’re hoping for clear skies for the June long weekend, which will be packed with all the fun and family entertainment of Merriwa’s biggest event,” Festival of the Fleeces Committee, councillor Ron Campbell, said.
“The festival raises funds for the Volunteer Rescue Association and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Upper Hunter Shire Council is proud to be a long-time sponsor of the event, giving much behind the scenes support through its VICs.
Pick up your Rosto Festival of the Fleeces program, available at the Merriwa and Scone VICs or on the website www.festivalofthefleeces.com.au and Facebook.