8AM to 3PM  Saturday. On Saturday the main street and surrounding area comes alive with rides, market stalls, street entertainers and much more

8AM to 5PM Saturday (at the Showground). There is nothing that gives you bragging rights like winning the bush sheep dog competition. Straight out of the paddock and into the spotlight, these farmers and their working dogs put it all out there. Trails in the morning and early afternoon. Finals late afternoon.

What better way to rest and recharge than with a piping hot cuppa (tea, coffee, cappuccino) at the CWA Hall? Refuel with toasted sandwiches, scones (complete with jam and cream ... or is it cream and jam???), cakes, slices, sandwiches, soup and more. Made with love by our lovely CWA ladies.

10AM, 2PM and 4PM Saturday. This is mesmerising entertainment for the children from the famous Fairy La La Land! Magic, song, dance, puppetry and comedy.

The 10am and 2pm show are held in Apex Park, Vennacher St (just 20 metres from the main festivities).

The 4pm show will be held at the Showground.

Penny's Ponies and Pets is just what the kids need to get up close and personal with all creatures great and small.

From Australian Reptile Displays, our snake wrangler, Bob Withey, will put to bed a few myths, educate you on some venomous snakes, handle four of the world's deadliest snakes and teach you about first aid (and that's just the beginning). You'll also see a recently discovered inland python from Western Australia.

8AM to 3PM Saturday. Just Dream Productions brings a hands-on experience with reptiles and snakes you can touch! There's dinosaurs you can have your photo taken with and fossils you can dig for! Just Dream Productions will give you an experience you won't forget.

The City of Maitland Pipes and Drums is a staple at the festival. Bringing up the rear of the parade, the band will break away and take up a position on the street to continue playing.

These intermittent demonstrations will help you understand what the trainer and dog are doing when the hard work begins. You'll have time to ask questions and you may even get an insight into your own "four-legged mate" and realise what makes them tick.

Don't miss Sparkles the Clown (face painting) in Bettington St. Outside the CWA rooms, face painting isn't all you'll get from Sparkles so check it out!

Let the games begin. Skittles, bean bag toss. quoits, naughts and crosses, sensory board and a ball pit for the little. And if all that isn't enough, let the kids make some noise with our home-made instruments.

What could be more local than closing out the day with "a little bit of country" with live music at the Showground on the Saturday night.

There's some real talent in Merriwa but we're sure there's some competition out there. Cracking good prizes available. Step up to the plate when the announcement is made in the main arena. BYO whip if you have one and safety goggles supplied.

8AM at the Merriwa RSL. Renowned bush poet Carol Heuchan is back with a show you don't want to miss. Breakfast, bush poetry and a wonderful bush ballad performer will bring the festival to a close this year on the Sunday morning.

While entry to this event is FREE, you can purchase a delicious buffet breakfast between 8am and 8.45am (before the fun begins). This is a FREE ticketed event (tickets are for numbers only). Entry will be available without a ticket but those holding a ticket will be given first entry. Numbers are limited. Book at Try Booking now. Don't miss out!