Big Weekend 2013

Murtoa’s BIG Weekend, sponsored by GrainCorp, is on again over the weekend of October 4th, 5th and 6th – and is three days of celebrations, with lots of great events and spades of local country culture.

This year will again feature the usual main attractions, including the unique and hugely popular mighty Murtoa Stick Shed – open again both Saturday and Sunday. People are constantly astounded by this WW2 structure and its massive interior of 560 poles supporting a 20m high pitched iron roof.

The Dunmunkle Sumpoilers display of historic engines will open on Saturday and Sunday, with very interesting displays. The running of the ‘BIG Engines’ is something unforgettable.

Murtoa’s BIG Weekend kicks off with the Annual A&P Show on Friday, where there are lots of horse events, rides, food and a variety of entertainment for all. This is followed in the evening by the Official Opening of the BIG Weekend and the GrainCorp Art Exhibition, held in the beautiful Mechanics Hall.

Many art sales from the large number on display ensure both quality & diversity. Art awards, live piano, finger food and drinks make this a relaxed and very enjoyable social evening.

Saturday morning brings the highly successful Monster Market in McDonald Street, with over 50 stalls of craft, produce, food and much more. The Tradies and Ladies raceday featuring the K&J Baker Murtoa Cup follow the market with even more of a carnival atmosphere, lots of action and great facilities.

Crazy entertainer Daniel Oldaker will strut his stuff at the Monster Market and again during the afternoon at the Stick Shed. – see it and believe it! But don’t go home yet – there’s more.

In 2013, the BIG Weekend is running a new event: Men and Ladies 18-hole Stableford at Murtoa Golf Club. This will take place on Saturday October 5, with a 12pm start. Post entries; call 03 5385 2452 with any enquiries.

Stay on in Murtoa after the races and other events, for great live music at the Railway Hotel – good meals and good music featuring the Lazy Farmers Sons.Sunday begins with an Ecumenical Church Service and the Lions BBQ follows immediately afterwards.

The Water Tower Museum and its adjacent Concordia Cottage will be open both weekend days also – a fantastic collection for all to enjoy – over three floors in the tower. Spends hours here!

Many ex-Murtoans return for this event, which has continually improved, and grown in local support to become the town’s annual focus after 16 years. If you miss Murtoa, you have missed your share of Country Culture waiting here for you.

Visit Murtoa’s BIG Weekend for a complete program of all events.