WHEN visitors arrive at Oberon and it's Circle of Villages, they are seeking to reconnect with a more natural and simple way to live.
Oberon and its villages are steeped in history and it is the first place over the greater Blue Mountains, where visitors can come in contact with genuine country life. A place where people live from the land, and are inspired by nature. It is a place to be renewed, to connect to nature and how it fulfils our most simple needs.
The lifestyles and treasures of village life are often not apparent to the outsider and require local help to be discovered. During the Summer Festival the town opens its heart, homes and way of life to share our simple pleasures with others.
Summer in the high country of the Tablelands is the season of bounty, and the perfect time to showcase our life with others. Mushrooms have sprouted, trout are in the streams, and adventure is in the air. Inspired by the natural abundance and fine weather, local culture blooms. Farmers, artists, food producers, home cooks, historians, canyonists, collectors and storytellers join forces to share their world with visitors, at the Summer Festival.
The Summer Festival kicks off with a community barbeque on the February 20 and everyone is welcome. It is the place where visitors can be introduced to the warmth of country hospitality and the sizzle of our highly sought after local meat.
The streets of Oberon will step back in time from February 20 to 22 when the Highland Steam and Vintage Fair brings one of the biggest display of steam powered engines and tractors in NSW to town. Located at the showground, the engines will embark on road runs and treks throughout the shire. Watch them in tests of prowess and strength including machinery demonstrations, tractor 'pulls' and ploughing competitions.
The region’s fine foods and produce are on display at the 109th Oberon show, first held in 1896 while the first ever agricultural show was held at O'Connell Plains in 1860. Once again, in an action packed drama, locals will show their mastery and courage in bull riding events. The abundance, colours and fragrance of local produce will tantalise our visitors. They will see the creations of traditional village craft.
Meanwhile at Jenolan Caves, a celebration of two centuries at Jenolan will be staged. An historical weekend with stories of explorers, mystery, wonder natural discovery and even ghosts. Even more chillingly beautiful is the sound of music in the caves. Tune into their fine acoustics in one of Jenolan's three music concerts during the festival.
On the weekend of February 20-22 hear a Cello Virtuoso performed by George Martens. On the weekend of February 28 to March 1 catch the passion of Gypsy Music or at the festival's final concert, on March 21 and 22 hear the performance of Cello to Tango.
The SEI ride from February 28th to March 1 is for those who love fine horsemanship.
Join our international guests and participants as they battle it out for this prized title.
Needing no introduction to locals, The Tablelands Way Oberon Farmers Markets are on March 7. The usual array of Tablelands Way produce will be on offer such as Yellow Box honey, local olive oils, cool climate wines and freshly baked breads. Also on the 7th, some of the area's finest Needlework will be displayed.
How often do you get to watch your friends and neighbours clutching onto a highly decorated bed on wheels as it hurtles down the main street of Oberon being pushed by some very competitive and fit locals?
Not since the legendary Bed Race was last held in Oberon many years ago, and now the Bed Race has the opportunity to make a come back amid six wonderful weeks of the Summer Festival.
But to ensure many more tangles and entertainment, and more importantly a fantastic community event, a well known Oberon community group will have to put their hand up to assist with organising the notorious Bullock Flat Bed Race.
The festival has the potential to become a major event in Oberon's calendar, but needs the support of the various groups around Oberon in order to become a success.
Oberon Council has already showed it’s support for the festival, by making an application for funding of $35,000 from NSW Tourism through Blue Mountains Tourism Limited, our regional tourism organisation, with $17 500 to be provided by Oberon.
Join the fun fair at Jenolan Caves on March 14 and 15, to cheer the Marathon runners as they complete the final leg of the Six Foot Track Marathon, a 46km race from Katoomba through to Jenolan, along an historic bridle track.
The official opening of The Tablelands Way experience will be held at "Tangenong" on March 28.
"Tangenong" is a beautiful property of rolling green pastures overlooking the golden sandstone cliffs of the Greater Blue Mountains located between Taralga and Oberon along The
Tablelands Way. The day will be bursting with entertainment, Farmers markets, storytellers, helicopter joy flights and rides for the family. The Tablelands Way experience stretching from Canberra in the South and passing through Oberon, Lithgow and Mudgee to the Hunter Valley in the North, exudes both history and majestic natural beauty along the way. Experience it's beginning at 'Tanjenong'.
All community and village groups are encouraged to take part in the festival.
Simply contact the Oberon Visitor Centre and discuss your plans.
Further information from Joanne, Lynne and staff at the Oberon Visitor Information Centre, corner Ross Street and Edith Road. tourism@oberon.nsw.gov.au
Call 02 63298210 or visit www.oberonfestivals.com
www.tab lelandsway.com.au
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