Festival of the Fleeces
Merriwa
What’s On in 2022?
Our proposed programme for 2022 is set out below. As we finalise our preparations and confirm events, there may be some changes to the programme over the next few weeks.
Opening night (Friday night)
Friday night is Rosto’s Festival of the Fleeces Opening Night at the RSL from 6pm to late. Dance the night away with a live band (with Mick Fetch). Grab some raffle tickets. Eat, drink and be merry!
Entry is free but food and drinks are at your cost. Drinks are available at the bar. Bookings are preferred but not essential. We have limited seating and to guarantee a seat you should book with Kim Clydsdale on 0421 910 658.
Food options are:
- pre-order and pay for a delicious platter of finger food (this must be ordered and paid for by Wed 8th June) – pre-order and pay for your platter(s) through Kim Clydsdale on 0421 910 658 (Kim will also book your seats at the same time)
- order on the night from the bistro menu (please be aware the bistro will be very busy so we ask that you allow extra time for bistro meals – the bistro opens at 5.30pm).
Merriwa Gallery presents For the Love of Rust
On Friday 10th June, Merriwa Gallery will have its first exhibition. Aligning with the Festival of the Fleeces, the Gallery will present two artists:
- Ellie Matthews – For the Love of Rust
- Roger Skinner – Landscapes et. al.
The gallery is located at 135 Bettington Street and will be open for the long weekend.
Saturday
Saturday events include:
- Street stalls 8am-3pm
- Physie demonstration
- Kid’s corner (rides and fun for the children) 8am-3pm
- Modern-day shearing display (see the latest in shearing equipment from Shearing Supplies Dubbo)
- Running of the sheep 12 noon
- Festival parade
- Face painting
- Motor vehicle vintage car display 9am-3pm
- Working sheep dog demonstration 9am-3pm
- Damper with cocky’s joy and billy tea 10am-3pm
- City of Maitland Pipes and Drums 11am-1pm
- Welcome to country 11.50am
- Running of the sheep (sponsored by Rosto) 12 noon
- Dog high jump 1pm
Saturday, from 3pm, the festivities move to the Merriwa Showground
Gumboot throwing competition- Sheep poo spitting competition (we dare you!)
- Lolly scramble
- Ka-Boom Fireworks 6pm
Sunday
- Anglican Parish ‘Blessing of the Fleece’ service 9am
- Bush Poet’s Breakfast 8am (free entry but gold coin donation is appreciated)
The 2022 Festival of the Fleeces programme will be available on the day from our merchandise tent.
Bush Poets Breakfast – Sunday Morning
For a special treat, come along to the Bush Poet’s Breakfast on Sunday morning.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and country hospitality while listening to the very entertaining bush poets. What a great way to while away your Sunday morning. Entry is free but donations at the door are welcomed.
Breakfast is to be purchased on the morning. Egg and bacon rolls served with a bottomless tea/coffee.
Poets do not need to book in advance but those who pre-book will be given priority if poet numbers are in excess. There is a prize pool of $500! The breakfast with be MCd by a special guest and judge.
Venue: CWA Hall, Bettington St. Time: 8am – 11am.
2022 Key Info
When: June Long Weekend 2022
Running of the sheep: Saturday 10th June, 12 noon
Where: Golden Highway, Merriwa (festivities move to the Merriwa Showground at 3pm Saturday)
