The Boorowa Irish Woolfest Festival celebrated its 23rd year over the long weekend.
The annual event celebrates Boorowa’s rich Irish heritage, which dates back to the 1820s and connection to Merino wool.
Crowds once again lined the streets at noon for the highlight of the day, the Running of the Sheep. Kelpies expertly steered the mob of 150 fine Merino sheep down Boorowa’s main street to the waiting race. The Street Parade followed the Running of the Sheep, showcasing Boorowa’s creative talent with a procession of colourful floats.
The Gold Trails Re-Enactment really drew the crowd in, finishing up with the horses inside the Boorowa Hotel.
Visitors were treated to three performances by Celtic traditional five piece band Mad Kelpie Playdate through-out the day, who combined their love of high energy bagpipe music with their love of high energy kelpies.
The usual popular attractions added to the atmosphere of the day, with kids enjoying getting amongst the animals at Old Kentucky’s Animal Farm – The Patting Paddock.
The Off the Sheep’s Back Fashion Parade and Beanie and Beret Competition displayed the best in woolly fashion while the Hawkesbury Working Dog demonstrations once again proved popular.
Next year’s Irish Woolfest will be held on Sunday the 4th of October, 2020.
Photo credit: Rachael Lenehan Photography (RLP)
