About 200 caravans have already arrived in Boggabri for the Lions Club’s annual Drovers’ Campfire.
Organisers are expecting over 400 caravans, slightly down on last year’s record attendance due to the wild storms on the east coast and in the Hunter Valley region.
What began as a weekend festival now runs from Wednesday through to Sunday, with organisers extending the festival due to popular demand.
Boggabri resident Mrs Elaine Eather said the event started as a way to intercept ‘grey nomads’ on their way north for the winter, encourage them to stay in Boggabri and help the local economy.
Lion Geoff Eather was the original co-ordinator of the Campfire.
“My husband Geoff Eather always wanted to work out how he could stop the caravans that we see heading north at this time of year and we’ve really succeeded in that,” Mrs Eather recalled.
“We had just over 500 caravans last year, it’s a fantastic boost for the town.”
Tours of the area began yesterday and over the course of the event visitors will have the opportunity to experience local hospitality, see war memorabilia and artefacts, cotton farms, cattle and sheep stations, mines and picnic spots.
The tours provide a cross-section of the industries and history that makes up Boggabri’s cultural heritage.
For those wishing to stay in Boggabri an array of exhibits will be on display including old machinery and engines.
Stalls run by locals also begin selling fresh produce, cakes, flower arrangements, jewellery and much more.
Evening entertainment will include John Battle, the Cotton Club Band and skits from talented locals.
Other highlights include traditional camp oven cook outs, barbecues and scones. Elaine adds the scones are always a huge hit with visitors.