Big Weekend plans almost finalised
July 27, 2014Murtoa’s Big Weekend is on again this Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October. Planning for the Big Weekend commenced in March and the committee have been working hard to ensure that this year’s festival will be even better than those of previous years.
The Big Weekend will commence with the Friday A & P Society’s 130th Agricultural Show. This is a great family day with attractions and displays to suit all tastes. The “GrainCorp” Photographic and Metal Sculpture competitions offering over $1800 in prize money are sure to attract many quality entries.
Friday night will see the Official Opening of the weekend at the “GrainCorp” Art Show at the Mechanics Hall. This year’s opening has been restructured with entertainment reintroduced and will feature the sensational “Ginger and Tonic”, a female a Capella group specialising in fun and original arrangements of well-known pop songs. The group represented Australia at the International A Capella Competitions in Germany last year.
The “GrainCorp” Art Competition offers $2200 in prizemoney across a range of sections including oils and watercolours. Entry details for the Art, Photographic and Sculpture competitions are available on Murtoa’s website – murtoa.net or from SLAAM- Murtoa
The Monster Street Market conducted in McDonald Street on Saturday morning will be bigger and better. This year’s market will be bolstered with additional attractions including a Jumping Castle, coffee cart, buskers and kids entertainer TIMTIM. TimTim puts on an unforgettable, high-energy and no-holds-barred show with magic and comedy for kids and parents. Stilt walking, huge never-experienced-before giant bubbles, fire breathing and general round-the-house and chook shed clowning make up TimTim’s performance.
The Saturday “Tradies and Ladies” TAB Race day, including the running of the K & J Baker Murtoa Cup will be a highlight of the day with a quality program of thoroughbred racing supported by, Fashions on the Field offering over $1000 in prizes, free kids activities and DJ Bobby. A daiquiri bar will operate from newly refurbished lounge bar.
On Saturday night the entertainment continues at the Railway Hotel with former Murtoa identity Lyn Challands (nee Blay) and Acousticas Stomp performing.
Sunday morning will again feature an Ecumenical Service at the Supper Rooms. This year’s theme is based upon the “International Year of Family Farming” and will feature a guest speaker relating to the theme. Following the service the Murtoa Lions Club will serve a barbeque lunch.
In addition the Water Tower Museum, Stick Shed and Sumpoilers will all be open over the weekend enticing many visitors to these unique attractions. These attractions entice many visitors to the town over the Big Weekend. Last year over 1800 people inspected the Stick Shed and as “Ginger and Tonic” will be performing in the shed on both Saturday and Sunday this year the committee are confident of attracting many more.
For further information regarding Murtoa’s BIG weekend phone SLAAM – Murtoa on 03-53852591 or email slaamurt@ bigpond.net.au
Harpist Elsbeth Ampt plays to the crowd in the Stick Shed – Photo courtesy Leigh Hammerton