Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Experience a slice of the drover's life - Boggabri

Photo: Boggabri main street

If you fancy a slice of a drover‘s life for just a few days, then head for the north western New England town of Boggabri (and here, here) this April.

The third annual Drover’s Campfire Weekend happens at the Boggabri Showground from April 25 to April 28.

Anyone with a caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, ute, tent or even just a swag is welcome to join in this weekend of classic country activities.

Hosted by the Boggabri Lions Club, the weekend includes: local tours of the district, delicious, economical camp oven meals (no more than $12), campfire sing-a-longs with entertainment, market stalls, shearing demonstrations, bush poetry, whip cracking and a community church service.

Boggabri cattle farmer and seasoned caravanner Geoff Eather initiated the weekend in 2006 in an effort to promote the town to travellers, particularly the caravanning community.

The inaugural event attracted around 100 people from around NSW. Last year over 300 people attended and even greater numbers are expected this year.

“I just saw it as a way to get people to stop in town, have a look around and share the experience of caravanning with others,” Mr Eather said.

“Thanks to the generous community support from Lions Club members, the concept is proving very successful.“

Entertainers this year include Rex Baldwin from Gunnedah and renowned Melbourne bush poet, Jim Brown. On Saturday night everyone’s invited to “Dress Up As A Drover”.

Mr Eather said the local tours (weather permitting) will include a visit to a cotton gin and coal mine and the visitors should have some fun with some of the events planned.

“We also want to remind people that if it rains it will be a little muddy underfoot – that is part of a drover’s life, after all,” he said.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Fees for the weekend are $5 for unpowered sites and $12 for powered which are reserved for those with medical issues. Power, showers, toilets, access to water and dump point available. Generators welcome, RV retailers welcome. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Boggabri is located on the Kamilaroi Highway halfway between Gunnedah and Narrabri in New England's North West.

Registration forms are available from the web site or from The Boggabri Lions Club. Contact: Geoff Eather (02) 6743 4469. Email: geather@westnet.com.au Web: www.boggabri.com.au

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