THE TOWNS of New England North West are all preparing to celebrate Australia Day in their own unique way.
Most towns in this friendly pocket of NSW are hosting citizenship awards, flag raising ceremonies and barbecues. Here’s a basic guide to what’s on offer:
Armidale is running a family fun day at the Armidale Racecourse which includes goat and camel races, children’s entertainment and competitions, displays of working antique machinery, classic cars, bush poetry, dog agility demonstrations, craft and puppet shows.
In Uralla, a street procession from 11am will finish at Alma Park, where there’ll be an awards ceremony, followed by an afternoon of live music, food and fun events like a thong throwing contest.
In Wallabadah (near Quirindi) the annual Aussie Bush Fair at the First Fleet Memorial Gardens will have stalls, live music and entertainment. The highlight of the day is the re-enactment of the First Fleet at 2.30pm.
Inverell, the Sapphire City, hosts its afternoon of celebrations at one of its major attractions, the Pioneer Village. The fun begins at 3pm and includes old time sports, musical entertainment, bush poetry, displays and food stalls.
Its neighbouring town of Ashford will begin the district’s activities with a breakfast and awards ceremony at the Ashford Pool; while Delungra will host entertainment and a street parade from 10am.
Gunnedah holds its annual raft race on the Namoi River on Australia Day, when all sorts of home-made creations are tested for their buoyancy. There’s activities in Wolseley Park including a pet parade, children’s entertainment and a breakfast barbecue. The churches hold a combined service and there’s a triathlon commencing at 6.30am.
In Glen Innes it’s a day of Aussie activities rather than the Celtic traditions the town is so well known for. The day kicks off with breakfast at nearby Deepwater, then moves to the Glen Innes Showground for an official ceremony, along with a barbecue lunch, market stalls, games and lots of family fun activities.
© 2011 Armidale Express
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