BY JEM ANSHAW
The Scone Horse Festival committee took a moment this week to relax and reflect on all their hard work at a special lunch at Scone Race Club.
And it is all ahead of the 10-day festival set it kick off on May 8.
Committee president Jason Hill wanted a lunch ahead of the festival to recognise a few of their team who work tirelessly to bring the event together.
“I was tossing and turning over whether or not to reward and acknowledge volunteers after the festival, but I was encouraged by other members of the committee to go forward and do it before, because it’s a good boost for everyone’s morale and enthusiasm for what’s a challenging month,” he said.
Kara Mitchell Watson has helped revive the family picnic at Lake Glenbawn to make it an event that is a perfect way to wrap up the 10 day festival, while also running the equally popular Yarns Night.
The Jack Johnston Memorial Gala Day has been Jim Marshall’s pride and joy since he took it on over two decades ago, initially collaborating with Jack to bring the vision of a day for local school students to learn about all aspects of farming to life.
“We all thought that it was a really good thing to recognise all the work that goes into the festival by people who do it for the love of the horse and no other reason,” Jason said.
“It’s a small gesture on behalf of the Race Club and the committee to reward and thank them for what they’ve done for the festival over a number of years.”
The Scone Horse Festival starts on Thursday, May 8, with the Thank God For The Horse Thanksgiving Service, and the Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Parade, Scone Grammar School Fete and Markets and Hunter Horse Homes Equine Extravaganza taking place on Saturday May 10.
The Jack Johnston Memorial Gala Day and Yarns Night will be on Tuesday May 13 and the 2025 Darley Scone Cup Carnival will be on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.
For the full program of events, visit sconehorsefestival.com.au.
