AUSTRALIA’S pioneering past will be brought to life with a swag of entertainment at this year’s Pioneer Weekend at the Historic Village Herberton on May 14 and 15.
Village owners Craig and Connie Kimberley said they had pulled out all the stops for the annual event, which sees the village open in a field day format over the two days.
“The village staff have assembled an impressive group of talented people eager to demonstrate the unique aspects of our outdoor pioneer museum,” Craig Kimberley said.
"These are all experts in their fields and they will make the stores, displays and machinery come alive."
Pioneer Weekend 2016 will feature a blacksmith, farrier, wood turners and carvers, while some of the village’s most iconic engines will also start up including a 1923 Harley Davidson, the Ruston Hornsby, steam engines, stampers and tractors.
The Hillbilly Goats will provide entertainment throughout the weekend with their unique mix of high energy folk music. The Misty Moonshiners and Irish Folk Band will also join them.
“We absolutely love The Hillbilly Goats and we are pleased to see them return once again. We are sure the crowds are going to love all the live entertainment we have lined up,” Mr Kimberley said.
Olden day children’s games, bush poetry, train rides, a special exhibit of old time small engines, hand steel drilling and a fashions on the field competition on Saturday and Sunday.
“Fashions on the field is one of the highlights of weekend. Everyone goes to a lot of trouble to dress up and celebrate. There are some great prizes for the best dressed adult and child also.”
New exhibits to check out during weekend include the village’s new Toy Shop.
“Open only last month, the Toy Shop has something for both young and old with very rare antique dolls, pre-war Disney memorabilia, traditional games as well as a sporting section. Kids will love the replica model railway of Herberton circa 1930s,” Mr Kimberley said.
There will be pony rides for the children as well as a sausage sizzle, which will raise money for the local Lions Club.
“Every year the village donates sausages and bread so they can raise much needed money for their different causes,” Mr Kimberley added.