EMIRATES MELBOURNE CUP GALLOPS INTO HISTORY AT HISTORIC VILLAGE

It's the race that stops the nation and for one day only the revered Emirates Melbourne Cup will stop Herberton in Queensland Australia.

Touch, hold and have your photo taken with the cup during the special event at Herberton Historic Village on Friday, July 26 between 9.30am and 4pm.

Village owners Craig and Connie Kimberley said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Atherton Tablelands locals to experience the acclaimed golden cup, valued at a staggering $175,000.

"This is the first time the Emirates Melbourne Cup has ever visited the Atherton Tablelands and to celebrate we are throwing open the doors of the Village free of charge for residents living anywhere on the Tablelands.”

Identification will be required and normal entry fees will apply for those living outside the region.

Craig said a gold coin donation, which will be given to the Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway line, is all that will be asked of locals coming through the Village, to see the cup.

"The volunteers behind this historic railway line have been working incredibly hard to improve the old tracks and they now desperately need to build a shed to store their equipment.

“The money raised on the day will go a long way towards this goal. Volunteers will also be running train rides throughout the day for an additional gold coin donation."

Providing food throughout the day will be the Pioneer Camp serving fresh billy tea, damper and stew as well as a sausage sizzle organised by the Herberton Lions Club and cake stall by the Anglican Guild.

"We want as many people as possible to come along and support a worthy cause and have a great day out with the Emirates Melbourne cup," Craig added.

Official proceedings will commence at 10am but don't miss the cup arriving by train at 9.40am. Special guests on the day include Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter, State Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth and Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Cr Rosa Lee Long.

Visiting with the cup will be a representative from the Victoria Racing Club, and special guest Sheila Laxon, who has achieved the ultimate success as the first female thoroughbred horse trainer to win the Australian cups double, the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup, with her mare Ethereal in 2001.

"We want as many people as possible to come to the opening ceremony, there will be some great history shared as well as special guest speaker Sheila Laxon, which I am sure will be a highlight for many.”

Entertainment on the day will be provided by Herberton State School as well as the Misty Moonshiners. The Village will be open in a field day format for the one-day event,with live music and experts demonstrating blacksmithing, printing and more.

“There is noting people love more in Herberton than a good old fashioned celebration, add the Melbourne Cup and you have something truly special and life changing.

“There will be working displays all day including the 1923 Harley Davidson, the extremely rare 1925 Indian motorcycle, and the 1935 John Deere Tractor,” Craig added.

For more information visit the website www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au or find the Village on Facebook at www.facebook.com/herbertonhistoricvillage.