2015 Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Program
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
7.30am Barbeque Breakfasts
Sponsored by Merriwa Rotary & Merriwa Bowls ClubStart the day with a hearty breakfast with fresh locally grown beef. Steak and Sausage sandwiches and Egg and Bacon Rolls. Early start and will cook right up to lunch.
8.00am Street Stalls
- Over 100 stalls - all different & unique
Come and sample everything and anything from fresh home made produce, arts and crafts, face painting, and plenty of food and coffee. There is something for everyone.
Take a step back in time and marvel at the skill of spinning yarn from wool straight off the sheep’s back. Producing unique yarn & woolen products .
Come and listen to the pipers as they let the music play in the streets of Merriwa. Unique sounds vibrate through the streets for all to enjoy
Come and sample everything and anything from fresh home made produce, arts and crafts, face painting, and plenty of food and coffee. There is something for everyone.
8.00am CWA Morning Tea with knitting exhibitions
You have not eaten country until you have tried one of the tempting treats from the Country Women’s Association and Merriwa has one of the best in the land. Start from 8.00am with freshly made Soup, Scones, Sandwiches, Tea, Coffee and Cappuccino.8.30am Pleasant View Fibres - Wool Spinning Demonstration
Sponsored by Merriwa Auto ElectricalTake a step back in time and marvel at the skill of spinning yarn from wool straight off the sheep’s back. Producing unique yarn & woolen products .
9.00am The City of Maitland Pipes and Drums
Sponsored by Merriwa Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Ass. Inc.Come and listen to the pipers as they let the music play in the streets of Merriwa. Unique sounds vibrate through the streets for all to enjoy
9.30am Shelly Minson - Tamworth’s Rockabilly Sweetheart
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| Shelly Minson |
Sponsored by Bob & Jan Baihn
Shelly will be performing outstanding Rockabilly entertainment outside of Merriwa Home Hardware prior to the Running of the Sheep.
Thomas the Tank Train departs regularly from Bow Street & finish at 3pm.
Observe the hard work as they drag their sheep & fleece it and then as they toss the fleece for classing.
You will be amazed just how perfectly these vehicles have been restored. They do not make cars like this any more. Speak to the owners who restored these vehicles and enjoy the attention to detail.
Quality Blacksmiths of this caliber are hard to find, watch & enjoy the skill from an era gone by.
Watch as expert hands demonstrate the art of shearing & handling the fleece. Demonstrations also in the afternoon. Located at the Royal Hotel, corner of Bettington and Vennacher Streets. Also 11am and 1pm.
Shelly will be performing outstanding Rockabilly entertainment outside of Merriwa Home Hardware prior to the Running of the Sheep.
9:30am Free Train Rides
Sponsored by Hunter MutualThomas the Tank Train departs regularly from Bow Street & finish at 3pm.
9.30am Modern Day Shearing Display
Sponsored by Curtis Gant Irving SolicitorsObserve the hard work as they drag their sheep & fleece it and then as they toss the fleece for classing.
9.45am Upper Hunter Motoring Vintage Vehicle Display
Sponsored by El Dorando Motel MerriwaYou will be amazed just how perfectly these vehicles have been restored. They do not make cars like this any more. Speak to the owners who restored these vehicles and enjoy the attention to detail.
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| Hunter Valley Helicopters |
10.00am Helicopter Rides
$60.00 per person per flight. Departs from Merriwa Oval No: 2 located Marquet and Brisbane Streets, just a 2 minute walk from Kids Corner.10:00am Cosy Iron
Sponsored by Merriwa Café & BakeryQuality Blacksmiths of this caliber are hard to find, watch & enjoy the skill from an era gone by.
10:00am Blade Shearing Demonstrations
Sponsored by Curtis Gant Irving SolicitorsWatch as expert hands demonstrate the art of shearing & handling the fleece. Demonstrations also in the afternoon. Located at the Royal Hotel, corner of Bettington and Vennacher Streets. Also 11am and 1pm.
10:00am Merriwa’s Hanging of the Quilts
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Beautiful quilts |
Sponsored by Lenore’s Quilting and Martin’s Transport
Talents from local quilters will be displayed at the Merriwa School of Arts. Beautiful quilts will be hung for all to admire. There is a chance to win a quilt of your very own as well as craft stalls to wander through. Open to 4.30pm, these works of art are worth taking a wander through.
Witness the amazing skills and artistic talent of Stan Ray as he uses a chainsaw to create inspiring works of art. Out side the Fitzroy Hotel and Caltex Service Station. Guess what Stan will create and win the art prize.
Come and explore Holy Trinity in Bow Street, from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. Take a wander through the church to see if you can locate the “10 Things of Interest”. There is nothing better than the expert cooking skills and hospitality of the women of the Anglican Church and Merriwa has the best to test your taste buds.
Sparkles provides a range of craft activities for the kids, from making juggling balls out of rice & balloons, frogs on a stick, beaded floral necklaces, pirate eye patches and more – quick and easy craft that they can make in a number of minutes & walk away with. Balloon modeling – very popular with the kids, make hats & animals out of balloons. Tricks, lolly pops & treats handed out.. It’s all FREE.
Talents from local quilters will be displayed at the Merriwa School of Arts. Beautiful quilts will be hung for all to admire. There is a chance to win a quilt of your very own as well as craft stalls to wander through. Open to 4.30pm, these works of art are worth taking a wander through.
10:00am Stan Ray Chainsaw Artist
Sponsored by Open Community SponsorsWitness the amazing skills and artistic talent of Stan Ray as he uses a chainsaw to create inspiring works of art. Out side the Fitzroy Hotel and Caltex Service Station. Guess what Stan will create and win the art prize.
10.00am Damper with Cockies Joy washed down with Billy Tea
See how real bread was made back in the day. The food of a stockman damper with Cockies Joy and Billy Tea. Outside the historic Fitzroy Hotel in Bow Street. Cooking demonstrations up to 4pm.10:00am Holy Trinity Open Day & Morning Tea
Sponsored by Open Community SponsorsCome and explore Holy Trinity in Bow Street, from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. Take a wander through the church to see if you can locate the “10 Things of Interest”. There is nothing better than the expert cooking skills and hospitality of the women of the Anglican Church and Merriwa has the best to test your taste buds.
10.00am Merriwa Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day
Between 10am -2 pm at the Merriwa Station in Bettington Street. We will be offering tours of the station and will have free gift packs for children. We welcome everyone to come and have a look at our Fire Engine and meet some of our members. We are looking for new recruits too if anyone is interested.WELCOME TO COUNTRY
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| Doonooch Dance Company |
11.30am Presented by Kamilaroi Elder Aunty Rosalind, including performances by Doonooch, the World’s Premier Traditional Aboriginal Dance Company. Sponsored by Merriwa IGA.
The Festival of the Fleeces Committee would like to acknowledge the Gaewegal people who were the traditional custodians of the Merriwa region and surrounding lands, and the Kamilaroi people, the custodians today . The Festival Committee would also like to pay respect to Elders both past and present of the Gaewegal and Kamilaroi nations and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.
Come along and pat the baby animals from Merriwa Central School ROAR boys. Experience the joy that only baby animals can give.
The Festival of the Fleeces Committee would like to acknowledge the Gaewegal people who were the traditional custodians of the Merriwa region and surrounding lands, and the Kamilaroi people, the custodians today . The Festival Committee would also like to pay respect to Elders both past and present of the Gaewegal and Kamilaroi nations and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.
KIDS CORNER - CRN BETTINGTON & VENNACHER ST’S
8:00am -The ROAR Petting Zoo
Sponsored by Merriwa Central SchoolCome along and pat the baby animals from Merriwa Central School ROAR boys. Experience the joy that only baby animals can give.
8.00am GJ’s Laser Tag
Located outside Merriwa swimming pool, their Laser guns use Infra-Red beams and sensors, the same as used on a TV remote control, completely harmless to your eyes and body, a healthy sport for all ages. So why not organise some family, friends, or work colleagues and challenge yourself to the team sport of GJ’s laser Tag this Saturday from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Vennacher Street Merriwa.8.00am Jumping Castle, & Pop Corn
Fresh made pop corn, flavoured pop corn, and a jumping castle. It’s a match made in children’s heaven.8.00am Mini Jeep Rides, and Clown games
On your mark, set and go…… Plenty of fun for the kids with prizes to be won.10.30am Working Sheep Dog Display
Sponsored by Merriwa Pharmacy
Observe Zac Ede, as he works his dogs around the sheep, watch him communicate with his dogs through whistles and movements to bring the sheep into their pen. Demonstration held also at 2.15pm.
Meet and interact with Rexie a 6 month old baby T-Rex and his friends, Cera, Rosa and Koda. The display also includes a selection of dinosaur fossils including skulls, claws, teeth and eggs along with information banners about dinosaurs.
Observe Zac Ede, as he works his dogs around the sheep, watch him communicate with his dogs through whistles and movements to bring the sheep into their pen. Demonstration held also at 2.15pm.
10:30am My Pet Dinosaur
Sponsored by Upper Hunter Shire CouncilMeet and interact with Rexie a 6 month old baby T-Rex and his friends, Cera, Rosa and Koda. The display also includes a selection of dinosaur fossils including skulls, claws, teeth and eggs along with information banners about dinosaurs.
11:00am Croc Stars Reptile Show
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| Saltwater Crocodile |
Experience a reptile exhibition with non-venomous Australian lizards, turtles, snakes and crocodiles with a "hands on" reptile awareness show. Their message is one of conservation of our environment by the preservation of our beautiful Australian native reptiles.
11:00am Sparkles the Clown
Sponsored by ROSTO OlivesSparkles provides a range of craft activities for the kids, from making juggling balls out of rice & balloons, frogs on a stick, beaded floral necklaces, pirate eye patches and more – quick and easy craft that they can make in a number of minutes & walk away with. Balloon modeling – very popular with the kids, make hats & animals out of balloons. Tricks, lolly pops & treats handed out.. It’s all FREE.
ROSTO OLIVES RUNNING OF THE SHEEP
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| Running of true sheep |
12.00pm See the famous sheep in red socks.
200 sheep wearing red woollen socks lead a procession of marching bands, school groups, community services, and local businesses through the main street of Merriwa. Wave to Big Dog as he passes along the crowd. Thank you to the Campbell family for the generous use of their sheep.
12.00pm Ray Hadley & the 2GB Continuous Call Team Live
Don’t just listen, watch it live as Ray Hadley and the 2GB Continuous Call Team entertain while broadcasting live around Australia to 4.30pm.
Experience a reptile exhibition with non-venomous Australian lizards, turtles, snakes and crocodiles with a "hands on" reptile awareness show. Their message is one of conservation of our environment by the preservation of our beautiful Australian native reptiles. "Have fun while learning".
Watch the athleticism of local farm dogs as they hurdle the jump to arrive on the back of the “work Ute”. Located at the intersection of Kids Corner.
Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Compete in open men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s., under 5, and over 60. Prizes to be won. No steel cap boots. View rules on the day.
2.15pm Working Sheep Dog Display
Sponsored by Merriwa Pharmacy
Observe Zac Ede, as he works his dogs around the sheep, watch him communicate with his dogs through whistles and movements to bring the sheep into their pen.
How far can you spit a piece of Sheep ‘POO’? Well the Festival uses jelly beans, just incase of accidental eating. Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Open men’s and women’s, boys and girls, under 5 and over 60.
4:00pm Entertainment moves to the Showground
Join in the fun and entertainment at the Merriwa Showground. Food stalls, and a fun afternoon of children’s entertainment ending with fireworks by KaBoom.
UHTP competition starting at 8am. Then at 11am, breaking for the parade, then at 1pm- The Rosto Olives Festival of the Fleeces Challenge. 30 teams 2 rounds, 1 winner. Prizes for 1st place. Competitors must be 13 yrs + & members of UHTP. Day memberships available. Held over 2 days
Local photographers will amaze you with the photography and artwork on display. If you like it you can also purchase it.
Tullymore Stud is the only Stud in Australia successfully breeding two breeds of heavy horses, Clydesdale and Shire Horses, with the Stud consistently producing Royal Show Supreme Champions with both breeds.
12.00pm Ray Hadley & the 2GB Continuous Call Team Live
Don’t just listen, watch it live as Ray Hadley and the 2GB Continuous Call Team entertain while broadcasting live around Australia to 4.30pm.
1.00pm Croc Stars Reptile Show
Sponsored by Merriwa RSLExperience a reptile exhibition with non-venomous Australian lizards, turtles, snakes and crocodiles with a "hands on" reptile awareness show. Their message is one of conservation of our environment by the preservation of our beautiful Australian native reptiles. "Have fun while learning".
1.00pm Dog High Jump
Sponsored by the Campbell FamilyWatch the athleticism of local farm dogs as they hurdle the jump to arrive on the back of the “work Ute”. Located at the intersection of Kids Corner.
1.45pm Gum Boot Throwing Competition
Sponsored by Di’s Clothing PatchEnter on the day. $2 entry fee. Compete in open men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s., under 5, and over 60. Prizes to be won. No steel cap boots. View rules on the day.
2.15pm Working Sheep Dog Display
Sponsored by Merriwa Pharmacy
Observe Zac Ede, as he works his dogs around the sheep, watch him communicate with his dogs through whistles and movements to bring the sheep into their pen.
2.30pm Sheep ‘POO’ Spitting Competition
Sponsored by Alexiam of Merriwa Preserves & CookeryHow far can you spit a piece of Sheep ‘POO’? Well the Festival uses jelly beans, just incase of accidental eating. Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Open men’s and women’s, boys and girls, under 5 and over 60.
4:00pm Entertainment moves to the Showground
Join in the fun and entertainment at the Merriwa Showground. Food stalls, and a fun afternoon of children’s entertainment ending with fireworks by KaBoom.
MERRIWA SHOWGROUND EVENTS
8.00pm Team Penning Challenge
Sponsored by Anthea Wright Veterinary ServicesUHTP competition starting at 8am. Then at 11am, breaking for the parade, then at 1pm- The Rosto Olives Festival of the Fleeces Challenge. 30 teams 2 rounds, 1 winner. Prizes for 1st place. Competitors must be 13 yrs + & members of UHTP. Day memberships available. Held over 2 days
10.00am Photographic Exhibit
Sponsored by Outback Press - Merriwa District DiaryLocal photographers will amaze you with the photography and artwork on display. If you like it you can also purchase it.
11.00am Tullymore Clydesdale & Shire Horse Display
Sponsored by TullymoreTullymore Stud is the only Stud in Australia successfully breeding two breeds of heavy horses, Clydesdale and Shire Horses, with the Stud consistently producing Royal Show Supreme Champions with both breeds.
2.00pm Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Sheep Yard Dog Trials
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| Sheep Yard Dog Trials |
Sponsored by Upper Hunter Fire Protection, the Royal Hotel Merriwa & Merriwa Pharmacy
Due to the Australian Championships being held on the same day, this year will be a demonstration for all to enjoy. Observe and be amazed as working dogs and their owners. Show off their farming skills with the farmers best mate.
Families will enjoy the fun as age appropriate groups of children race for the title of Festival Champion and the winner’s prize. The judges will be tough, & are looking for fun and thoughtfulness & abiding by the rules.
Bring the kids along to scramble for as many lollies as they can possibly grab. Age appropriate groups for safety. Buckets of lollies cannoned into the air! As much fun for the parents as it is for the kids!
4 Divisions- Under 8, 8-13, 13- 18, 18+. $5 entry. Prizes for highest score in each division of Whips donated by Melaleuka Rural Services. Entries taken on the day. Kids Roping available also for a gold coin donation.
Entry for opens & Juveniles $15. Juniors $10. Proceeds go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. All competitors must be members of UHTP day memberships allowed.
Enjoy a 2 hour entertaining breakfast full of laughs with the world’s best bush poet Carol Heuchan. The perfect way to finish the festival. $2.00 entry fee. Prizes on offer for various categories and age groups. Breakfast by the fabulous CWA ladies. Bookings essential as seating will be limited. Tickets available at the door, or pre order through the Merriwa Visitor Information Centre on 6521 7046.
Due to the Australian Championships being held on the same day, this year will be a demonstration for all to enjoy. Observe and be amazed as working dogs and their owners. Show off their farming skills with the farmers best mate.
4.00pm Children’s Hobbie Sheep Races & Lolly Scramble
Sponsored by Coal & Allied Mount Pleasant ProjectFamilies will enjoy the fun as age appropriate groups of children race for the title of Festival Champion and the winner’s prize. The judges will be tough, & are looking for fun and thoughtfulness & abiding by the rules.
Bring the kids along to scramble for as many lollies as they can possibly grab. Age appropriate groups for safety. Buckets of lollies cannoned into the air! As much fun for the parents as it is for the kids!
5.00pm Whip Cracking Competition
Sponsored by Kemp Rural Partnership4 Divisions- Under 8, 8-13, 13- 18, 18+. $5 entry. Prizes for highest score in each division of Whips donated by Melaleuka Rural Services. Entries taken on the day. Kids Roping available also for a gold coin donation.
5.00pm Sheep ‘POO’ Spitting & Gumboot Throwing Competition
How far can you spit a piece of Sheep ‘POO’? Well the Festival uses jelly beans, just incase of accidental eating. Or throw a gum boot? Enter on the day. $2 entry fee. Open men’s and women’s, boys and girls, under 5 and over 60.FIRE WORKS WITH KABOOM
6.15PM Sponsored by ROSTO Olives
Take pleasure in a fire works show. Located at the Merriwa Showground. 2014 went off with a bang or two, it was the talk of the festival and 2015 is set to be just as explosive. See the new items being tested here in Merriwa.6.30PM Battle of the Sexes Cut Out Competition
After the fireworks- Battle of the sexes cut out comp - 3 Divisions. Junior, juvenile & open. Prizes (Feed vouchers donated by Farmers Warehouse) for highest point junior and highest point juvenile, Prizes (Feed Vouchers donated by Farmers Warehouse) for highest point open male & female. Overall highest point score 2015 UHTP Festival of the Fleeces Cut out - wins a stallion service (donated by Mark Shearer) for "Knights Ballymore" registered Australian Stock Horse (2014 UHTP performance horse of the year.)Entry for opens & Juveniles $15. Juniors $10. Proceeds go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. All competitors must be members of UHTP day memberships allowed.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE
8.00am Upper Hunter Team Penning
Prizes for 1st place in all 3 divisions. Top ten shoot out for top ten places over all 3 divisions for Sat & Sun runs to be held at the end of the Sunday comp. Prizes for 1st place.9.00am Anglican parish of Merriwa Blessing of the Fleece Service
Holy Trinity Merriwa Sunday Church Service. All welcome. Bow Street Merriwa.9.00am Bush Poets Breakfast - CWA Rooms, Bettington Street
Sponsored by Merriwa CWAEnjoy a 2 hour entertaining breakfast full of laughs with the world’s best bush poet Carol Heuchan. The perfect way to finish the festival. $2.00 entry fee. Prizes on offer for various categories and age groups. Breakfast by the fabulous CWA ladies. Bookings essential as seating will be limited. Tickets available at the door, or pre order through the Merriwa Visitor Information Centre on 6521 7046.
11.00am Men of League Old Boys & Ladies League Tag
With Merriwa, Denman and the men of league old boys we have also invited Scone, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Aberdeen, Greta-Branxton, and Murrurundi to play for the group 21 old boys cup.
2pm the Ladies League Tag will play Denman followed by the Merriwa v Denman men at 3pm. On this day money is raised for the men of league foundation, and for the Merriwa old boys who just purchased sporting kits for Merriwa Central, St Josephs and Cassilis Schools .
We look forward to seeing you here at Merriwa...'a breath of fresh air'...
We look forward to seeing you here at Merriwa...'a breath of fresh air'...
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