Wagga is blanketed in gold once again – signalling the much-anticipated arrival of spring. Photo: File.
The Riverina has thrown itself into spring with a chock-a-block calendar of events.
The week is kicking off with a rush of that beloved Aussie tradition – the good old-fashioned country show including activations in Hay, Wagga and Ungarie.
This year’s Ocrowberfest is bigger than ever and, better yet, it’s partnering with the Wagga Show to maximise entertainment value for the whole family.
You’ll also find a spring swing dancing event, the highly anticipated Griffith Cup, a good dose of culture in the form of art and books and the Marrar Rodeo – so giddy-up!
All Weekend
Mini pig races are among the many attractions of this jam-packed two-day country show. Photo: Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs.
Annual Hay Show
When: Friday 9 September, 2 pm – late and Saturday 10 September, 9 am – late
Where: Hay Showground, Showground Rd, Hay
Cost: (Daily pass) adult $10, age pensioner and school-age children $5, children not at school free, Friday evening only $5, payable at the gate.
This excellent weekend event for the whole family will fill Norm Smith Pavilion with homemade goods, exhibitions, cooking competitions and children’s artworks showcasing local skills and talents. Grab yourself a CWA scone and a cuppa, stroll along the grassed area, smell the barbecue steaks, catch a dog-jumping show and check out the sideshow alley. There will be show bags galore, mini pig racing and all manner of friendly competitions from food sculpting to scarecrow making, fruitcake baking, chicken parmi-eating and a slow-cooker cook-off. Make sure you stick around for the spectacular fireworks finale.
If you haven’t used your Parent NSW vouchers, they can go towards tickets to the Wagga Wagga Show, which runs over two massive days. Photo: File.
Wagga Wagga Show
When: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 September, 9 am – 9 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Showground, Bourke St, Turvey Park
Cost: Adult $13, age pensioner and child (5 to 16) $9, book here.
Wagga Wagga is bringing it to the country show circuit this season with a fantastic array of entertainment, the usual show events, rides and food vendors, agricultural and cultural displays and a few surprises. For the best value, grab yourself some ride coupons – $26 will provide 30 tokens redeemable at the showground office.
Saturday
Expect all the trappings of a good country show in Ungarie – and we mean all. Image: Ungarie Show Society.
Ungarie Show
When: Saturday 10 September, 7:30 am – 7:30 pm
Where: Ungarie Showground Caravan and Campground, Camp Rd, Ungarie
Cost: Adult $10, child $3, under 5 free, concession: $5, family (2 adults, 2 children) $25, payable at the gate.
Held as part of the town’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, Ungarie’s local community is set to showcase its talents and agricultural achievements in this fabulous addition to the country show circuit. Expect all the trappings including market stalls, competitions, children’s amusements, trade shows, a lolly drop, trick horse riders, tractor pulls, quick shears, a grand parade, fireworks and much more. Things may get a bit hairy at the 2022 Mullets, Beards & Moustaches Competition – categories include Mini Mullet (under 10 years), Junior Mullet (11 to 16 years), Opens Mullet (17 years and over), Best Moustache, Best Beard and Best Overall Combination.
Last year’s Bavarian Street Party at Thirsty Crow Brewery will pale compared with the bigger and better-than-ever Ocrowberfest 2022. Photo: Thirsty Crow.
Ocrowberfest
When: Saturday 10 September, 12 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Kyeamba Smith Hall at Wagga Wagga Showgrounds (entry via main gate on Bourke Street)
Cost: General (adult 18+) $50, VIP package (eight adults) $1000, kids $25, book here.
Thirsty Crow has joined its two great loves – Wagga Wagga and beer – to present Ocrowberfest. For the first Ocrowberfest to be held in conjunction with the Wagga Wagga Show, your pass includes access to the show on the day. The rest of the time, explore a range of craft beer, local cider, regional wine and local produce on a day packed with entertainment, music, games and activities for the whole family.
Watch the best saddle bronc riders from all over the country compete against award-winning horses for their share of an $8000 prize pool. Photo: Marrar Madness Rodeo Facebook.
Marrar Madness Rodeo
When: Saturday 10 September, from 8 am
Where: Marrar Sport and Recreation Reserve, McKelvies Lane, Marrar
Cost: Adult $20, child (9 – 15) $10, child (8 and under) free, family (2 adults, 2 children) $50, camping per person (optional extra) $5, book here.
Whether you’re a regular cowboy or cowgirl or new to the rodeo circuit – this is up there on the rodeo scene. The best saddle bronc riders from all over the country are set to compete against award-winning horses for their share of an $8000 prize pool. The main event kicks off at 5:30 pm with the Xtreme Broncs Ray White bronc ride, open bull ride, Rookie Xtreme Broncs final and ladies’ barrel race final. See up-and-coming rookie bronc riders from midday and the free Mini Madness kids’ hours kick off from 4 pm in the main arena. Live music, food and drinks will contribute to a lively rodeo atmosphere.
A zoot suit riot breaks out in Wagga this spring. Photo: File.
Spring Swing
When: Saturday 10 September, 7 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga Public School Hall, 70 Gurwood St, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Adult $10, family $30, payable at the door.
There’s no more effective way to shake off winter than on the dance floor. Wagga’s Spring Swing promises a night of live music and dancing featuring the 20-piece RCM Big Band with dance lessons by Luxe Dance Studio. Enjoy listening, learning, dancing to Latin, jazz, swing and more. There’s a prize for the best-dressed couple, so don your glad rags and get set to get down. All experience levels are welcome.
Fashions on the Field starts at 2 pm tomorrow with more than $5000 worth of prizes across seven categories. Photo: Griffith Jockey Club Facebook.
Yenda Group Griffith Cup
When: Saturday 10 September, from 11:30 am
Where: Dalton Park Racecourse, Remembrance Drive, Griffith
Cost: Adults $26, children (5 – 16 years) $5, children (under 5) free, De Bortoli Rosé Bar $60, book here.
For the punters, fashionistas and those just looking for a great day out with friends and family – Griffith’s race day is not to be missed. A premo experience will be found at the De Bortoli Rosé Bar. Expect canteen facilities, bookies and a TAB van onsite as well as a new and improved kids corner and live music to keep everyone entertained between races. Fashions on the Field kicks off at 2 pm with $5000 worth of prizes across seven categories.
Deborah Wurrkidj (Kuninjku), Black Plum (detail), 2006, etching. Photo: Wagga Art Gallery.
Land Marks: First Nations Prints from the Margaret Carnegie Print Collection
When: Saturday 10 September to Sunday 30 October, gallery hours
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Corner of Baylis & Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free.
This intriguing exhibition opens this Saturday at Wagga Art Gallery offering an insight into the connection between First Nations people and the land. Focusing on printmaking as a medium in including lithographs, etchings, linocuts and screenprints, get an introduction to ancestral creation stories through a unique lens.
Wagga City Library Book Club 2023
When: Thursday 15 September, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Wagga Wagga City Library, 243 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga
Cost: Free.
Calling all Riverina bookworms – Wagga City Library has quite the program lined up for its 2023 Book Club, and you’re invited to hear all about it at this free event. Whether your literary interests lie in contemporary fiction, thrillers, biographies, literary fiction, science fiction, classics, romance, crime or elsewhere, this club has you covered (selection input will be welcome). The information session will cover how a Wagga Library Book Club will run and cost and provide a sneak preview of the title lists. Browse as you enjoy a beverage of your choice and some select nibbles.
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