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The Daily Advertiser published It's a Wagga thing last month and the response made us realise how proud Wagga's residents, past and present, are. We will publish a list on the third Wednesday of the month specific to people, places and events in the Riverina.
And we would like your input.
Got a topic you want us to write about or research? What do you think our next listicle should be? Email us at online@dailyadvertiser.com.au.
The Riverina is home to many great festivals that celebrate food, wine, music, the arts and a whole lot of fun. We have listed a few here but can you think of any more?
1. Gumi Race and Festival
It's the time of year when the Murrumbidgee River comes alive as inflatable home made devises sail downstream in the quest for aquatic glory. The Gumi Race started in March, 1976 with participants sailing from Eunony Bridge to the Wiradjuri Reserve. The tradition lasted until 1995 and those growing up during the era would remember what a draw card it was for spectators and competitors. The race was revived in 2011 by South Wagga Apex Club as the WFI Insurance World Champion Gumi Raxe and the course went from Eunony Bridge to Wagga Beach.
Next event: February, 2015
2. Deni Ute Muster
When you think of high octane fun, beaut utes and a uniquely rural Australian setting, all roads lead to Deni. The festival started with a Guinness Book of Records for the largest parade of registered utes in the world in 1999. A group of people banded together to start a festival to bring people to the small town of Deniliquin and the ute muster was born. It attracts thousands of people from across the country each year for a full program of entertainment, utes and events.
Next event: Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4, 2014
3. Festa delle Salsicce (Festival of the Sausage)
Griffith is renowned for its Italian culture and cuisine and Festa delle Salsicce (Festival of the Sausage) celebrates this in all its meaty glory. Locals and visitors come together to eat, drink and enjoy traditional folk music to celebrate the end of salami making season. Immerse yourself in the Italian culture with their cuisine, local wines and plenty of salami.
Next event: Sunday, August 24, 2014
4. La Festa
Easter in Griffith is brought to life with a carnival atmosphere during La Festa. La Festa is a two-day program of live events, regional food and local drink to showcase the multicultural heritage of Griffith. If the dazzling costumes are not enough, tantalise your taste buds with a range of local food and wine over the Easter long weekend.
Next event: Saturday, April 19, 2015 and Sunday, April 20, 2015
5. Food and Wine Festival
There are very few events in Wagga quite like the Food and Wine Festival. It has been a big attraction for the region since its inception in 2002 due to its culmination of fantastic regional food, local wines and live entertainment. Held in late March to take advantage of the sunny but crisp air, the event runs from lunch time until late into the night. The Civic Centre precinct fills with people lazing about on picnic rugs or enjoying a meal at the tables. Stalls line the perimetre and are packed with people wanting to sample or purchase food or drink.
Next event: Saturday, March 28, 2015
6. Batlow Cider Fest
Do not let the name of this festival fool you. The Batlow Cider Fest is more than just an ode to the delicious appley drink. Suppress your appetite with pig on a spit, wood fire pizza, sushi, Thai food, homemade pies, slinky spuds, mini Dutch pancakes, Belgium waffles, cheese plates and fresh fruit and vegetables. Wash it all down with cider from the sponsors, Apple Thief and Batlow Cider Company.
Next event: Saturday, May 15, 2015
7. Apple Blossom Festival
The Batlow Apple Blossom Festival is held on the third weekend in October and this year organisers are going 'a little bit country'. Visitor can sample the food, browse the market and view the art, photography and collectibles in the Exhibition centre. The children will be kept entertained with their own amusements and there will be live music and demonstrations all day. The program concludes in the evening with a fireworks display to light up the night sky over the Batlow township.
Next event: Saturday, October 18, 2014
8. Tumbafest
Tumbafest is a celebration of country life. Set in the picturesque mountains of Tumbarumba, the festival features food, wine, market stalls, children's activities and entertainment and a farmer's market. The event's quirky duck race of plastic ducks down the creek is a colourful draw card and cooking demonstrations offer something for the adults.
Next event: Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, 2013
9. Dusty Days
Dusty Days was one of the biggest music festivals the region had ever seen. It brought local acts together with huge international names on stage at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club then the music bowl at the Botanic Gardens. Some of the headlining acts in its short run from 2006 were Jimmy Barnes, Regurgitator, The Whitlams, Shihad, Alex Lloyd, Sneaky Sound System, Spiderbait, Midnight Juggernauts, Bliss N Eso, The Potbelleez, Grinspoon and British India. Unfortunately, the festival only ran for a few years before it was cancelled in the late 2000s.
10. Gold Cup
This event needs no introduction. Those living in or from Wagga are familiar with the prestige and reputation surrounding the Wagga Gold Cup. The two-day carnival, which kicks off with Town Plate on the Thursday, is held the first Friday in May. It's the city's biggest social event and is known just as much for its fashions as it is for the horses.
Next event: Friday, May 1, 2015
11. Country BnS's
Wagga is situated in the middle of a hub of great BnS balls in regional Australia. Hay, Ariah Park, Finley, Cootamundra, Holbrook, Jerilderie and Corowa are all just a few hours away for those looking for some gritty, colourful fun.
12. Jazz and Blues Festival
Wagga Wagga Jazz Inc is committed to developing jazz in Australia through the opportunity for musicians to share their music. The Wagga Jazz and Blues Festival brings the city to life early each year with numerous venues across the city dedicated to events and performances. The festival started small in 1995 and has grown to incorporate five venues.
Next event: Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, 2014
13. Leeton Sunrice Festival
The Sunrice Festival is a unique festival held over five days every second Easter. It transforms Leeton with a festival to highlight the importance the rice industry plays in the region. It attracts more than 10,000 people to town for 20 events. The most popular events include Leeton's longest lunch, McDonald's Street parade, skate championship, balloon glow, ambassador competition and Festival of Mountford.
Next event: Easter, 2016
14. Junee Rhythm and Rail
The Junee Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival is a great excuse to bring visitors to the town to share its rich rail history. Its rail heritage is celebrated over three days with steam train shuttles, food, wine and live music to liven up the town's centre. The vintage car and motor bike displays and bush poet's breakfast make it one of the biggest events in the town's social calendar.
Next event: Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8, 2015
15. John O'Brien Festival
The John O'Brien Festival in Narrandera is one of the longest running festivals in the region. Poet John O'Brien is the namesake of this festival. Narrandera was home to priest Monsignor Patrick Hartigan (1878-1952), who published poetry under the name John O'Brien. The festival has become an annual pilgrimage for many who appreciate his humour and poetry. The program includes a street parade, busking competition, poetry readings and competitions, an eco bush tour and tribute to our Anzacs.
Next event: Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15, 2015
16. Spirit of the Land
The festival began in Lockhart during the worst drought in the town's recorded history as a celebration of resilience of those who live and work on the land. The festival is held on the second weekend of October and is home of the famous National Farm Art Sculpture Award. It is held in conjunction with the Lockhart Picnic Races and includes fine art, indigenous exhibitions, open gardens, boutique market stalls, vintage cars, wool art gallery, food and wine. The festival is set against a backdrop of live music and a fireworks display on Saturday evening.
Next event: Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 2014