Chips to fly at timber festival
WITH just a few days to go to the seventh annual Glenreagh Timber Festival, all arrangements are in place for a big celebration in the village.
Glenreagh will be buzzing with activity on Saturday as the festival kicks off at 9.30am.
The first demonstration of the day will be the sheep dog trials, followed by the first heat of the woodchop competition.
The festival celebrates and preserves the culture and skills developed and used by the pioneers of the district.
Many of their descendants who settled the area still live there and many will be represented on Saturday.
One of those pioneer families is the Shipmans and many of them have competed regularly in woodchop competitions over many years.
Fred Shipman was a former champion who competed regularly until only a few years ago.
Sadly, he died earlier this year and to commemorate his passing organisers are naming the 300mm underhand block championship in his honour.
The tradition carries on and Fred's sons are very much involved in the festival.
Among timber industry skills being showcased on Saturday in addition to woodchopping will be sleeper cutting with broad axes, fence post splitting and blacksmiths practising their art.
A wooden boat builder will also be attending the festival, with a steam-powered pinnace on show.
Festival events will be supported by woodcraft stalls and woodcraft demonstrations, timber industry memorabilia photographs and tool displays.
Plus, there will be a giant market with more than 50 stalls booked.
The younger ones will have plenty to do, with attractions including mini-jeeps, pony cart rides and a jumping castle.
Hunger and thirst will catered for with plenty of food and drink – and fairy floss – available.
Entry to the festival will be $4 per adult, $2 per child, children under five years free.
Car parking on the recreation grounds is free.
For all inquiries phone 66490970.
