No time like the past

VINTAGE machinery demonstrations, a treasure hunt and loads of family fun are on offer at the annual Herberton Historic Village Pioneer Weekend on May 7-8.

Historic Village Herberton owners Craig and Connie Kimberley said the Pioneer Weekend was a chance for old friends to catch up.

Mr Kimberley said the country and folk music festival included the Littmus Steampunk Band at historic Elderslie House, Now Or Never at Ada’s Frock Salon, Kate Hunter at the Pioneer Camp, Dana Martin at Maytown Farmer’s Home and Ben Wilson at the old Grocery Store.

Visitors are encouraged to dress up in old-fashioned pioneer clothes with a Fashions on the Field competition.

Visitors can try tin panning and there will be old-fashioned children’s games, a chance to meet the working pack donkeys, take a pony ride or check out the animals at the baby animal farm.

“The Fashions on the Field is always a lot of fun,” Mr Kimberley said.

“There are all sorts of specialties like the antique apothecary talks and book binding at Martin’s Chemist, the spinning wheel demonstration at Elderslie House and Wild River Mountain Distillery tasting at the Tin Pannikin pub,” Mr Kimberley said.

Kids can create their own “wanted poster” on the Herberton Times newspaper printing press.

Tuck into some bush cooking at the Pioneer Camp, indulge at the Red Cross tea and coffee and light snacks stall, sink a snag from the Lions

Club sausage sizzle or grab a coffee from the Mobile Coffee Gallery cafe.

Experts in their field will demonstrate blacksmithing, wood chopping, tin panning, small engines and more.

Machines, including the fully restored 1905 Marshall Steam Traction Engine, will be fired up over the weekend. Normal admission prices apply $32 for adults, $16 for kids, $82 for families and $29 concession.