A Fresh Approach for the Carcoar Village Fair

The Carcoar Village Fair held on Australia Day has been a perennial favourite on the regional events calendar for over 30 years, and this year it will be reinvigorated with a fresh new approach aimed at bringing the real heritage and characters of Carcoar’s rich history to life and sharing the talents of local and regional artisans.

A key focus of this year’s event is the brand-new concept of roving and immersive street performances, with professional Actors in vintage clothing re-enacting scenes from the true history of Carcoar. These will include characters such as Carcoar Mary, the Wild Man of Carcoar, the Fingerless Ghost and the Carcoar Axe Murderer.

“These performances won’t be scheduled at set times but will happen spontaneously throughout the day,” explains composer/producer Tim Hansen, Artistic Director of the Carcoar Village Fair. “You might happen to be standing at the bar of the local pub when the Fingerless Ghost glides by playing the accordion. An upright piano will also be available in the street for passers-by to play.”

The main street will be dedicated to a Vintage Car display, with a meandering Artisan Market throughout the village and along the river and local food and wine producers showcasing the best that the region has to offer, such as local wine from See Saw Wines, craft beer from Badlands Brewery, artisanal cheeses from Second Mouse Cheese, hand-poured Meeraboo Soy Candles and awesome Aussie made Spilt Milk gelato. Millthorpe Garden Nursery will also be there.

If you come along early enough you will be able to hire vintage clothing for the day and wander through the heritage laneways of Carcoar for perfect Instagram backdrops. Because, we all know in this day and age it’s all about the ‘gram.’

Bring along your picnic blanket and swimmers for a day by the beautiful Belubula River and watch the return of the inflatable duck races. There will be face-painting for the kids and live music will be provided throughout the day by Gabbi Bolt, the Hip Replacements and Rain Dance.

Don’t miss an intriguing insight into local bushranger history with the popular Bushranger Tales being presented at Carcoar’s historic Court House once again by author and historian, Craig Bratby – one of the region’s experts on bushranger Johnny Vane and his escapades with the Ben Hall gang in the Carcoar area in 1863.

"Carcoar is surprisingly dynamic for its size. We've had a steady stream of new arrivals over the past twelve months who have added to the diversity of the village and are bringing fresh ideas for this much-loved event. This is an authentic community fair, a collaboration between locals, and I'm really excited about the direction the fair's going for 2020" said Jo Howarth, president of the Carcoar Village Association.

Make sure you take a look through all of Carcoar’s incredible museums and historic buildings, including St Paul’s Anglican Church (1845), the Carcoar Court House (1882), the Carcoar 20th Century Toy Museum in the old Commercial Bank (1863) and the Carcoar Hospital Museum (1860). St Paul's Anglican Church will be celebrating its 175th anniversary on the day with a special service at 9am.

Local artisan Louise Purcell will be showcasing her wares in her Carcoar Pottery shop housed in the historic Court House, while along Belubula Street you will be able to browse for bespoke homewares in Carcoar’s premium interiors shop, Tomolly and grab a coffee, pastries or grazing platter from the Village Grocer next door.

The Carcoar School of Arts in Icely Street will be open and serving delicious treats from early morning, and the Carcoar Show Society will host their popular BBQ at the Carcoar Fire Station. Brand new Italian locanda Antica Australis will have panini and tiramisu available for visitors to takeaway and enjoy an afternoon sitting by the Belubula River.

You’ll find affordable pub lunches and a friendly bar at the Royal Hotel Carcoar and take a stroll across the bridge for tea and coffee at Teapots Café at The Stokehouse Guesthouse. Discover the vintage delights at the Rustic Flamingo while exploring the tranquil gardens while you’re there.

So, Australia Day... Where else would you rather be!