Benefiting from the polling booths at the PCYC and Muswellbrook Fire and Rescue NSW's Open Day both being in the vicinity, expectations were exceeded as more than 1500 people attended the function.

There were market and food stalls, a classic car show, face painting, music and a bouncy castle on hand to keep revellers entertained.

Meanwhile, the main drawcard was the vintage trains, which people were able to ride on.

Muswellbrook Shire Council's tourism and events officer Ruaan Van Der Wath said the only regret they had for the day was selling out of the tickets so early.

However, the overall sentiment was an affirmative one and he revealed the attendance was overwhelming but positive.

"We were quite surprised with the amount of people who turned up for the event," he said.

"We didn't expect such a positive response from the community which was good to see.

"The train rides to and from Yarrawa and back were received very positively; people were really interested in taking train rides."

A commemorative plaque was also revealed, with current and former mayors Martin Rush and John Colvin on hand for the unveiling.

It's an event that is only celebrated every 50 years and the community certainly made the most of it this time around.