The Upper Hunter Shire Council are a proud and long-standing supporter of the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces and are pleased to announce the Festival is back again to get us to pull our socks up, on the June long weekend (6-8 June 2020).
Chair of the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces Committee, Upper Hunter Shire Councillor Ron Campbell urges everyone to get behind the 2020 Festival. “For 30 years, the Festival of the Fleeces has proudly celebrated the rich history of agriculture and sheep farming in Merriwa. We encourage you to come along and see how sheep and their fleece have shaped the community.”
The weekend is full of events and activities for all ages starting on the Friday night with a free concert to the Sunday morning Bush Poets Breakfast with Saturday being the highlight of the program. Visitors can enjoy the street markets and the fun of the Grand Parade led by a flock of sheep in red socks running down the main street of Merriwa, as well as the dog high jump, sheep shearing, and a Kids Corner.
The Council recognizes the importance of the festival in maintaining the town’s history, tradition and culture, and for the economic benefits the now in excess 5000 visitors bring to the shire each year. For 30 years the Festival of the Fleeces has brought people and communities together to celebrate an industry and way of life that is quintessentially Australian.
Council is committed to supporting this significant event for many years to come.
Hats off to the individuals and organising committee that bring this event to life each year.
Wayne Bedggood
MAYOR