Narrandera Shire’s biggest tourism event, the Good Old Days Festival, has been given the green light to be held in 2021 by the committee. 

The Barellan Working Clydesdale committee met recently to confirm they were going ahead with this year’s event and elect the executive for 2021. 

Bruce Bandy was returned as president, with vice presidents being Emil White and Col Bandy, Louise Mulligan continues as treasurer, and Emil and Heather White continuing as catering/merchandise managers, with the sponsorship team headed by Laura Curran. 

The committee also resolved the vacancy around the secretary’s position following the death of long-time secretary Norma Zingel. Fiona Kibble was elected as the new secretary and is supported by assistants Ella Watts and Rhonda Hogan. 

The committee has announced gate entry, camping and exhibitor bookings will be taken on line from May 1.

Scheduled for October 2-3 at the Barellan showground, the Good Old Days Festival is now the largest single tourism event in the region, drawing visitors from all Australian states and territories to enjoy an authentic pioneering heritage experience.

The Festival is one of the greatest displays of draught animals in the one spot in the nation with heavy horses of many breeds, bullocks, camels, donkeys, mules and goats working in harness, under saddle and in-hand.

President Bruce Bandy said the new amenities block was almost completed and a new kitchen would be installed in the Carroll pavilion before the festival.

“We were excited and fortunate to see our showground receive funding of $244,992 from the NSW Government’s showground stimulus to build new toilets and amenities,” Mr Bandy said.

“Norma played a major role in that written application. This construction is well underway and will be a welcome improvement for our 2021 Festival.

“Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke presented the Barellan Showground committee with a cheque from the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund for $62,345 for a much needed update and instalment of a new kitchen in the Carroll Pavilion.”

Mr Bandy and Lake Caregillgo Australian Draught horse breeder Steve Johnson will be taking a team of heavy horses and a wool wagon to stage a heritage display at the Sydney Royal Show on April 1-12.

Accompanying them will be Barellan Working Clydesdales committee member David Irvin with his vintage tractor and Furphy water cart train.