Guyra is the place to be this October long weekend, as TroutFest swims into town.
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"We might not have all the water we need for our TroutFest this year," festival co-ordinator Lynne Chapman said, "but we are keeping the fishy theme front and centre."
Children can learn to fish at the Mother of Ducks Lagoon, near the Bowling Club, from 9.30am to 2pm on Friday. The lagoon has been specially stocked with fish, and kids will have the chance to catch a huge brood fish from the Dutton Trout Hatchery. (This event has already been booked out.) Afterwards, fly experts can help teenagers or adults hone their casting skills.
Saturday and Sunday offer full days of activities. "Either day has got plenty of action," Lynne said, "so whatever suits people's needs, they should be able to have a good day of entertainment in Guyra."
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On Saturday, the Bowling Club will host the market day from 9am to 2pm. "There will be lucky door prizes, kids' activities, music, food choices galore, and, of course, a wonderful selection of stalls to interest all," Lynne said.
Children can bounce on the Monsters jumping castle, play mini-golf, paint a fishy mural, and hunt for hidden fish around the venue and in retail outlets to win prizes.
Visitors can check out the colourful Quilts and Craft Show and Art Expo at the RSL Hall in Bradley Street; take a guided tour of the old Arcadian Theatre (also on Sunday); or see the automobilia and bric-a-brac display at the former Burgess garage. The Guyra Historical Museum will be open, and train trike rides will run (also on Sunday). Several eateries around Guyra also provide sustenance.
Saturday's program at the Club ends in a free night of comedy, music, and didgeridoo with an Australian flavour, designed for both kids and adults.
"It's our contribution to raising people's spirits in this difficult time - having a laugh together, and letting our hair down," Lynne said.
Rob Day will play his unique didgeridoos - and oddgeridoos. He has performed for 15 years, and sold his hand-crafted instruments to players world-wide.
"He has a collection of a dozen or so, all very different, and he can play them all with amazing sounds," Lynne said.
He will tell entertaining stories (including his great Aussie camp-out) and play some of his fast modern rhythms. "Be careful; you might just become part of the show!" Lynne warned. The event is free; book at the Bowling Club.
Donna's Bistro will serve a finger food smorgasbord meal between 6 and 6.45pm. $10 a head, $5 for kids under 10. Bookings are essential, so call Donna Kennedy on 6779 2515.
On Sunday, a car boot sale will be held in the Bowling Club car park from 9am to noon. Deano Williams will run free tours of his Spring Trout Farm, at 'Ardrossan', 643 Black Mountain Road, at 10am and 2pm.
"That could be a nice little Sunday drive, so take advantage to see how the farm works and maybe buy some fresh smoked trout to take home," Lynne said.
The Quilts, Craft and Art exhibition ends at 2pm, when two lucky artists will be awarded the "People's Choice".
The Guyra Hotel will finish the weekend with an evening of country and rock, starring Tamworth musician Kev Spencer.
"Come and join us at TroutFest!" Lynne said.
The event is sponsored by Guyra Bowling Club, Recreational Fishing Trust Grant, Lions Club, 2AD, Armidale Regional Council, and Rural Financial Counselling Services NSW.
For more information, visit www.guyratroutfest.weebly.com, or Facebook guyratroutfest; call 0488755736; or email guyratroutfest@gmail.com.
