Merriwa's Festival of the Fleeces

Come to Merriwa and see the sheep dressed in Red Socks running the main street, watch the blade shearer as he shows his skills taking the fleece through to today’s shearer with his motor run blades. With rides, Art Show, games, team penning, Quilting display, dog high jumps, whip cracking, clowns, stalls and lots more to see, the day is set to entertain.

Finishing the day off with KaBoom letting their fireworks off at 6.15pm at the show ground. Raising money for Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Merriwa VRA.

Merriwa celebrates Festival of the Fleeces every June to commemorate their involvement within the Australian Wool Industry. Events are held on the Saturday and they range from the Street Parade, Petting Zoo, Yard Dog Trials, Whip Cracking, the dog agility, exhibitions and much more. The event started in 1990 and visitors come from all over the state to Merriwa is a unique and friendly rural town nestled in the Upper Hunter Valley. A large number of visitors come to Merriwa looking for that ‘breath of fresh air’ and to experience our region’s history. Held every year on the June Long Weekend, the Festival of the Fleeces combines history, wool and fun, 2014 promises to be no different.

The Running of the Sheep at the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces is gaining notoriety Australia-wide. In the 23 years the festival’s been held, thousands of people have traveled from far and near to see the spectacular and when they arrive they quickly realise that the Festival of the Fleeces offers an entire feast of entertainment.

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Festival of the Fleeces and it truly is a great celebration. For something new and exciting, the festival will be hosting the inaugural Sheep Yard Dog Trials, and the Festival Team Penning Championships.

Watch shearers at work, watch the workings of the sheep dogs and their trainers demand respect from the flocks of asheep. So come along when it is on, there will be plenty to see and do.

Friday 6th June through Sunday 8th June 2014
Contact details : 6521 7046
Fax No. 6521 7086
Email: merriwavic@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
Contact: Merriwa Visitor Information Centre 02 6521 7046
For more information visit: www.upperhuntertourism.com.au