DELUNGRA will be a hive of activity this weekend with celebrations at fever pitch as the village marks Australia Day and its centenary.

Delungra Australia Day and centenary committee publicity officer Sam Dobner said a wonderful program had been organised to celebrate Australia Day on Friday.

"We have organised children's activities, entertainment by the Sapphire Concert Band, Con and Gail Mureau, Belinda Lewis and others," she said.

There will be displays of local produce and crafts, including the preparation of raw fleece through to spinning the yarn, lace making, scrapbooking and locally made quilts.

The New England Railway Modellers' layout will also fascinate children of all ages.

There are stationary engines, cattle, sheep, goats, fleece and Rural Fire Service displays, antique agricultural machines, historic cars, motor bikes, and market stalls.

At 10 am the street parade will start with antique vehicles, horses, ponies and sulkies, the Inverell Pipe Band and decorated floats expected to take part.

There will be displays of family memorabilia and an exhibition of photographs from the collection of Russell Blanch.

The Girl Guides will retrieve, open and display the contents of a time capsule which was buried in 1985.

"We are all looking forward to seeing what it contains," Sam said.

From 5pm the centenary celebrations start with children's games, a stew and damper contest, the band Tickle Me Chookskin and a grand fireworks display.

Sam said there would also be a demonstration of bicycle-powered shearing.

The cost to enter the Recreation Ground is $5 a family or a gold coin donation.

Anyone planning to attend should bring their own chairs or rugs.

Food provided by the local Horse Sports Committee and the Girl Guides will be on sale all day, while the Horse Sports Committee will also provide steak sandwiches and other food during the evening program, or you can bring your own.

© 2007 Inverell Times

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