OPENING NIGHT (SOLD OUT)
Friday 6 June , 6pm at Merriwa RSL.
Scan the QR code on the left or click here to purchase your tickets for this fabulous evening.
Only $15/pp. Live music, auction, lucky door prize and trivia. Dance the night away!
LIVE MUSIC WITH MICK FETCH
Kick up your heels, let down your hair and dance the night away!
Celebrate and enjoy the festival opening night with great music in the company of friends!
OPENING NIGHT IS AUCTION NIGHT
Lot 1
Noni McCarthy, Sixty by Twenty Photography & Design
A pedigree in every way – both the artist and the subject! Our regionally based photographer and graphic designer, Noni McCarthy, has a special interest in agriculture. From Noni comes this exquisitely detailed, signed and framed artwork.
Featurin)g an Egelabra Merino ram, this artwork will be on display during opening night until auctioned off to the highest bidder! Don’t miss out on this one!
Lot 2
Hip Height Gardens
Manufactured right here in Merriwa NSW, from both plantation sourced pine and recycled pallet pine, these gardens can be installed on concrete, paved or lawn areas with very minimum disruption.
Don’t want to bend down to garden? No problem. Get a Hip Hite Garden. You will never look back (or down) again.
Lot 3
Dexter Burkill, Denman
There’s 10 small bales of lucerne hay (also known as alfalfa hay) up for grabs.
It’s a nutritious feed source for livestock, including horses, cattle, and goats. It’s high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to their diets. Known f)or its high digestibility and palatability, this lucerne hay is donated by Dexter Burkill, Denman … how lucky can you be?
Lot 4
Dexter Burkill, Denman
What? Twice the luck? That’s right, there’s another 10 small square bales of hay up for grabs! Well known for its nutrition, your livestock won’t turn their nose up at this! A valuable addition to the diet of horses, cattle, and goats, this hay is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Its high digestibility and palatability qualities are renowned.
Lot 5
Wilmslow Park
No, no, no! It’s not the horse. It’s better than the horse. It’s a Bucas Power Prize Cooler horse cover. With its single layer of stay-dry fabric that wicks away moisture and ensures the horse is always dry, this is the crème de la crème of horse covers.
The outer of the rug is a shiny material, ensuring the bedding cannot stick to it, keeping the rug looking good for years to come. Size 6’3″ (140cm)
Lot 6
Wilmslow Park
Another 6’3″ (140cm) Bucas Power Prize Cooler horse cover. If you missed out on the first one, don’t let this one slip past.
Wilmslow Park horse agistment was established in 2006 in Wilton, NSW and is dedicated to providing exceptional service and care for both horses and owners!
We said it before but it is worth repeating. This is the crème de la crème of horse covers.
Lot 7
Elders, Merriwa
This reciprocating saw boasts:
- tool-free blade change
- variable speed that allows you to control the strike rate to suit the material
- four blades that will cut timber, metal and plastic.
If you’ve ever worked with a reciprocating saw, you’ll know this is the quintessential tool for any handy person.
If you’ve never worked with a reciprocating saw, you’ve been “doing it tough”.
Lot 8
Kindly donated by a Merriwa Resident
Did you know that the Golden Fleece Merino ram is said to come from around Cassilis way (just west of Merriwa).
When you bid on this ram you are bidding on a piece of history. Made from cast iron, this Golden Fleece Ram money box is a pre-loved item that is in excellent condition for it’s age.
It’s a great addition for any men’s shed (or lady’s shed), a must for any collector or just a lovely household item full of nostalgia from days gone by.
Lot 9
Steve Kemp Whips
Keep practising your whip cracking with a Steve Kemp whip. When you own a whip made by Steve Kemp, you own a whip made by “the master”.
Steve has been working with leather since 1975. Having won multiple awards for whip-making and general leatherwork, it’s little wonder Steve also taught his craft at TAFE.
The whip you bid on has been made especially for the charity auction in the bright red and white colours of the Festival.
Lot 10
Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces
If you happen to drive west, at the little village of Borambil (a bit before Cassilis), you’ll see this dog’s cousin astride a motor bike. Now don’t get any ideas, he’s chained down.
This Uracast muster dog is made of fibreglass. You’ll never have to feed him. He’ll never poop all over the yard. He won’t complain when you don’t have time to walk him. He’ll always be there when you want to talk. He’ll never answer back.
Does it get any better?
Lot 11
Max Made Dragon Models
These 3D dragon models have moveable parts and are fiercely colourful!
Made by local creator Max Hourne (the owner of Max Made), these would make a fantastic gift for that special child in your life.
These models are made and designed by local schoolboy and entrepreneur, Max Hourne who has kindly donated these for our fundraising auction.
Lot 12
Two Rivers – Hunter Valley wines
Enjoy a wine tasting with friends at Two Rivers (certainly one of our premier vineyards).
Indulge in a cheese or antipasto that showcases local Upper Hunter Valley produce.
Spend time getting to know our ‘Custodians of the Landscape’ sandstone sculptures located around the cellar door and vineyard.
Engage with the kids in some of the novelty and oversized lawn games.
Or just relax and take in the sweeping views across the vineyard towards the distant hills. How’s the serenity?
Lot 13
Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces
This is our LAST and most prized Sheep Esky. Also made by Uracast, this life-sized sheep morphs into an esky. If you don’t have one of these keeping your beers and bubbles cold, you are really missing out.
Pop Dolly the Sheep out in the paddock. Grab a bag of ice and a few coldies. While away an afternooon. You’ll never hear a peep from Dolly the Sheep!
This one will be hotly contested if last year is anything to go by!
Lot 14
Donbated by Peter and Vicky Lymbery
The Billyboil uses no energy after an initial heating-up on your existing stovetop. This means you can save up to 80% of your cooking energy usage.
The double-wall, vacuum-insulated outer pot means it is exceptionally good at retaining heat. It cooks delicious meals for up to 12 hours using retained heat.
It is ideal when you are travelling, camping or working remotely.
Lot 15
Donated by Merriwa Resident
This beautiful pot with saucer has an exquisitely detailed floral design and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
If you love beautiful things – or if you know someone who loves beautiful things – this is for you.
THANK YOU
To the following sponsors for their generous donations to the auction
Take the pain out of gardening, no bending or kneeling ever again!
Visit Hip Hite Gardens
Steve has made this whip especially for the festival in bright red and white colours!
Visit: Steve Kemp Whips
Maxmade 3D dragon models have moveable parts and fiercely colourful!
Visit: Maxmade 3D Models
LUCKY ENTRY TICKET PRIZE
THANK YOU
RM Property & Livestock together with Mortgage Choice Upper Hunter for donating this year’s Opening Night Lucky Entry Ticket Prize!
SHEEP TRIVIA
Will ewe and your table be the shear genius of the night?