THE small country township of Corryong on the Murray River and the border of Victoria and NSW is becoming the hub for enthusiastic horsemen and women across Australia.
With caravans, horse floats and “beat” utes flooding the main street this week, the 21st annual Man from Snowy River Bush Festival kicks off this weekend.
The showground’s gates officially open today, with 72 competitors and their horses coming together to compete in a series of technical events in the hope of taking home the title “The Man From Snowy River”, which is announced Sunday.
Edwina Lumsden, social media coordinator, also known as singer songwriter Fanny Lumsden said people were lining up four hours before camping gates opened at 4am Monday morning and the town has been buzzing with tourists enjoying all the region has to offer.
“Since Sunday Corryong has been constant traffic, it’s terrific for the local business owners,” Ms Lumsden said.
The usual small community of about 1500 people more then doubles during the annual bush festival, the local golf course becomes a sea of caravans and neighboring paddocks are filled to the brim with horse trucks and floats.
A rodeo, The Wolfe Brothers, famous bush poetry, a campdraft and much more is on offer for the weekend.
With competitors coming from all states of Australia and spectators eager to watch this year’s most talented riders wrangle brumbies, shoe their horses, compete in cross country and ride the wildest of Australian broncs.
Based off a given points system, competitors compete in a series of events, earning points for the quality of their work to eventually compete in the finals on Sunday.
Last year’s event saw thousands of spectators enjoy the jam-packed weekend, with local John Mitchell taking home the open title with 651.1 points and Emma O’Shea winning the ladies section on 580.4 points and Kelsie Lupson winning junior champion on 538.6 points.
All three champions are back this year to compete once again for the “Man from Snowy River” title.
Although the weekend is certainly about more, the history of Corryong and Banjo Patterson is told throughout the festival.
With artists and photographers exhibiting all the region has to offer and poets telling historical tales in the town’s local hall, the local community comes together a year in advance to contribute their ideas and plan for largest bush festival in Australia.
