Photo: lamb and roast potatos, Guyra.
Big Sky Country is the name given to the New England tourism region covering the Northern Tablelands and Western Slopes and Plains.
Each year, various Big Sky communities host a number of events for the entertainment of local residents and those from the broader region, such as Tenterfield's Oracles of the Bush, Inverell’s Sapphire City Festival and Narrabri’s Nosh on the Namoi.
These events often provide a unique experience of country life for people who travel to the region from metropolitan centres.
The following calendar provides brief details on these events for the December - February period. I will run specific stopries on some of these events as we come closer to the time.
DECEMBER 2008
Throughout December until January 24 - Bark and Wood: Indigenous works from the NERAM Collection, Armidale.
Important works covering a broad geographical area right across Arnhem Land from Oenpelli in the west to Yirrkala in the east. Carving and painting from bold geometric painting through to the refined detail of rarrk or cross-hatching. Artists include David Malangi, Dick Nguleingulei and Mick Kubarkku.
Phone New England Regional Art Museum 02 6772 5255.
Throughout December - Gunnedah Christmas Lights
Christmas spirit is seriously alive, well and quietly competitive in the north western town of Gunnedah, where the annual Christmas lights competition sees much of the town's streets transformed into a twinkling wonderland as they compete for the title of “Santa Street”.
Phone Gunnedah Visitor's Centre on 02 6740 2230.
1 – 30 December - Moree Plains Gallery.
Moree Plains Gallery has several permanent exhibitions and host travel exhibitions every 4-6 weeks. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
5 – 7 December - Great Inland Fishing Festival, Copeton Dam, Inverell. Three days of serious fishing at the magnificent Copeton Dam, in a catch and release competition. Phone Inverell Tourism on 02 6728 8161.
6 December - Gypsy Willow Markets, Narrabri . Phone 02 6799 6760.
6 December - Inverell Apex Venetian Carnival. Campbell Park, Inverell. Celebrating Christmas. Santa is a special Guest. Phone 02 6722 3011.
7 December - Inverell Hobby Markets, Campbell Park, Inverell. Phone 02 6722 4693.
7 December - Jellicoe Park Markets, Moree.
There’s something for everyone at the markets with indoor & outdoor plants & seedlings, fresh fruit & vegetable produce, home baked goods, clothing, handcrafted furniture, poultry, a selection of food stalls, craft & novelty items, beading supplies, jewellery & crystals and much more. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
11 Dec - Moree Christmas Carnival. A great time for families and visitors to enjoy the community spirit and country atmosphere. 4pm to 8pm. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
11 December - Wee Waa Mardi Gras. Phone Narrabri Tourism 02 6779 6760.
13 December - Quota Monthly Markets, Quirindi, Roselea Park. Phone 02 6747 1490.
14 December - Glen Innes Market Stalls. 8.00am to midday, Grey Street, Glen Innes. Contact Jenny Hodder on 02 6732 3837.
20 December - Gunnedah Country Markets. From 8.30am at Wolseley Park, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah. Entry is Free. There will be a wonderful choice of goods to be purchased, from delicious cakes/jams, pottery and craft to second hand goods/books/clothes. All are welcome. Stall fee is $15.00. Contact 02 6742 2565.
21 December - Markets in the Mall, Beardy Street Mall, Armidale. Contact Matthew from the PCYC 02 6772 1023.
21 December - Sapphire City Markets, Campbell Park, Inverell. Contact 02 6722 2067.
TBA December - Carols by Candlelight, Gunnedah. From 6.00pm at The Rotunda in Wolseley Park. Free entry. Lots of activities for everyone to enjoy and experience. Contact Lloyd Angel on 02 6742 3943.
TBA December - Narrabri Mardi Gras. Phone Narrabri Tourism 02 6779 6760.
21 December - Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes
Join in this seasonal celebration at sunrise with food and entertainment. Further info phone Joanne Cause, Celtic Crone on 0423 499 163 or the Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6730 2400.
26 December - Boxing Day Races, Quirindi Racecourse. This annual event always draws a great crowd, be sure to be part of it! Phone Chris Mathews 0427 054 869.
26 December - Dundee Bush Carnival. Campdrafting, equestrian events and a barbecue at the Dundee Sports Ground. Phone Glen Innes Visitor Information Centre on 02 6730 2400.
26 December - Inverell Jockey Club Boxing Day Race Meeting, Inverell Race Course. Phone 02 6722 1139.
30 – 31 December - Upper Horton Rodeo and Campdraft, Contact Peter Kelly 02 6782 7240.
31 December - New Years Eve Fireworks, Ron Harborne Oval, Moree. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
JANUARY 2009
1 January - Wallabadah New Year’s Day Races. A traditional bush racing experience, held every year since 1852. Wallabadah Racecourse. Phone Gerard Smith 0428 924 880.
1 January - Inverell Cup Race Meeting, Inverell Race Course. Phone 02 6722 1139 or 02 6722 2795 (AH).
3 January - Gypsy Willow Markets, Narrabri. Phone 02 6799 6760.
4 January - Jellicoe Park Markets, Moree. There’s something for everyone at the markets with indoor & outdoor plants & seedlings, fresh fruit & vegetable produce, home baked goods, clothing, handcrafted furniture, poultry, a selection of food stalls, craft & novelty items, beading supplies, jewellery & crystals and much more. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
10 January - Quota Monthly Markets, Quirindi, Roselea Park. Phone 02 6747 1490.
11 January - Glen Innes Market Stalls. 8.00am to midday, Grey Street, Glen Innes. Contact Jenny Hodder on 02 6732 3837.
11 January - National Tomato Day Festival, Gunnedah.
This annual celebration of the tomato is an institution for backyard growers, who compete for the glory of such titles as biggest, reddest, tastiest and oddest-shaped tomato.The contest, held annually since 1978, developed from an argument between two locals over who had grown the biggest tomatoes in their backyard. The Gunnedah Bowling Club, Conadilly Street. Phone John Campbell 02 67420 400.
12 January - Glen Innes Horse Races. Six race event with live band, bar and barbecue. Glen Innes Racecourse. Phone Brendan Campbell 02 6732 4503.
16 – 27 January - Lamb and Potato Festival, Guyra.
This annual festival celebrates the local produce and serves up lamb and potatoes in as many ways as you can imagine. There’s also craft and variety stalls, great food, non-stop entertainment, wine tasting, antique machinery displays, talent search and sheep shearing demos. Phone Guyra Council 02 6779 1577.
17 January - Gunnedah Country Markets. From 8.30am at Wolseley Park, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah. Entry is Free. There will be a wonderful choice of goods to be purchased, from delicious cakes/jams, pottery and craft to second hand goods/books/clothes. All are welcome. Stall fee is $15.00. Contact 02 6742 2565.
17 January - Deepwater Horse Racing. Deepwater Racecourse, New England Highway.
Contact Robert Wheatley 02 6734 6250.
18 January - Somerton Cup, Gunnedah. 11am at Riverside Racecourse, Oxley Highway. Family friendly with all you could need for a great day at the races. Contact Debbie Watson or Rod Dugan 02 6742 0093.
18 January - Sapphire City Markets, Campbell Park, Inverell. Contact 02 6722 2067.
24 – 25 January - New England Sheep Dog Trials, Tenterfield. For more information, contact Patti Ainsworth, Tourism Manager at the Tenterfield Visitors Centre on 02 6736 1082.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Gunnedah. Events include annual, a raft race, pet parade, triathlon event, trivia night and Australia Day Gala. Phone Gunnedah Visitor Information 02 6740 2230.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Tenterfield. Phone Karen Stewart 02 6736 1744.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Gwydir Shire. Phone Gwydir Shire Council 02 6724 2000.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Glen Innes. At the historic Glen Innes Showground.
Phone Lisa Reed 02 6732 5967.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Moree. Family fun day held in Kirkby Park, Moree. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri. Phone Narrabri Tourism 02 6799 6760.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Armidale. Phone Armidale Tourism 1800 627 736.
26 January - Australia Day Celebrations, Inverell Pioneer Village. Old Time Sports, musical entertainment, bush poetry, Citizen of the Year announcements, displays, food and drink stalls. Commencing at 4pm. Phone 02 6722 1717.
26 January - Wallabadah Aussie Bush Fair. This festival began in 2006 and due to its success is now an annual event. Browse the stalls, join in the fun and games, stroll the First Fleet Memorial Gardens or simply sit back and relax to the live bands. A great day for the family! Contact Tania Hartigan 02 6746 5606.
FEBRUARY 2009
1 February - Inverell Hobby Markets. Campbell Park, Inverell. Phone 0) 6722 4693.
1 February - Jellicoe Park Markets, Moree. There’s something for everyone at the markets with indoor & outdoor plants & seedlings, fresh fruit & vegetable produce, home baked goods, clothing, handcrafted furniture, poultry, a selection of food stalls, craft & novelty items, beading supplies, jewellery & crystals and much more. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
6 – 8 February - Peter Allen Festival, Armidale.
Following the successful Birthday Bash, the Friends and Fans of Peter Allen are organising the inaugural Peter Allen Festival. Come to Armidale to celebrate Peter’s life, music and hear his story. Tours and displays daily. Cocktail evening and welcome at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse Feb 6; Gala Dinner at the Wicklow Hotel Feb 7; the Birthday Bash Feb 8. Phone Warren Bartik - Festival Manager: 0429 100 091 or 02 6771 5375.
6 – 8 February - Tenterfield Show and Campdraft. For more information, contact Patti Ainsworth, Tourism Manager at the Tenterfield Visitors Centre on 02 6736 1082.
7 – 8 February - Uralla Show. All the fun of a country fair including ring events, pavilion exhibitions, side shows and Uralla's local heroes in the Demolition Derby. Phone Uralla Show Society on 02 6778 5099. 7 February - Gypsy Willow Markets, Narrabri
Phone 02 6799 6760.
8 February - Quota Monthly Markets, Quirindi. Roselea Park. Phone 02 6747 1490.
13 –15 February - Glen Innes Pastoral and Agricultural Show.
Held in the tree-lined showground, a blend of the best the country has to offer, with arts and craft, fairground rides, the latest in tractors, first class showjumping, an unrivalled cattle pavilion display, chooks, sheep, even sports shearing as well as a demolition derby, mechanical pavilion and trade expo. Wind down at the popular show bar, or enjoy a steak sandwich at the barbecue.
Phone the show secretary 02 6732 1744.
15 February - Sapphire City Markets, Campbell Park, Inverell. Contact 02) 6722 2067.
21 February - Gunnedah Country Markets. From 8.30am at Wolseley Park, Conadilly Street, Gunnedah. Entry is Free. There will be a wonderful choice of goods to be purchased, from delicious cakes/jams, pottery and craft to second hand goods/books/clothes. All are welcome. Contact 02 6742 2565.
20 – 22 February - Armidale Show. A traditional country show in the heart of New England. Phone Armidale Tourism 1800 627 736.
21 February - Moree Cotton Cup Race Day. A major event of Moree’s racing and social calendar raising between $20,000 - $30,000 each year for charity and local community groups. Phone Tourism Moree 02 6757 3350.
TBA February - Narrabri Rodeo, Narrabri Showground. Phone Narrabri Visitor Information 02 6799 6761.
28 February - Quirindi Cup Race Day. Throw on your race outfit and bet up big at the Quirindi Cup. Contact Nardi Beresford 02 6746 2476.
28 February - Quirindi Rodeo. Polish your boots and put on your hat, its Rodeo time. Head to Quirindi for the thrills and spills of this action packed event. Contact Laura Cleal 0402 538 261.
24 – 25 February - 4BBB Golf Tournament, Tenterfield. For more information, contact Patti Ainsworth, Tourism Manager at the Tenterfield Visitors Centre on 02 6736 1082.
TBA Late February - National Servicemen’s Reunion, Bingara. Phone Ken Bilsborough 02 6724 1223
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