In 2010 there will be a considerable change with the regrettable leaving of Mr Mike McCall and “Blueridge Country”, who had been our marvellous backing band since almost conception of the Stampede, so we would also like to thank Blueridge for all their hard work and years of service. We have found ourselves in new territory with a new band who we believe to be a worthy successor to Blueridge (more information on that later).
There is still plenty of camping space available with hot showers and toilet facilities on the grounds and we are not far from town if you have forgotten anything. Now on the food front, the amazing “Galloping Grannies” will wow you with their home cooked meals, BBQ and cakes, and yes they really are made by the grannies. Louise and her helpers have the best hot chips and snacks on the south side of the tracks. Caroline and her band of helpers will try to sell you the winning tickets for all the raffles over the weekend including a swag and other camping gear to add to your own.
On Thursday night, around 7pm, we kick off the evening with a campfire sing-a-long for all those travellers that seem to turn up earlier each year with the “Galloping Grannies” and their apprentices preparing the homemade soup just to keep everyone all warm on the inside.
The following morning sees contestants travel to Junee to sing at selected spots around the town to compete in the “Busking in Junee” section, from 11am to 3pm, which will be judged. The Junee Shire Council and the Arts Council of Junee, whose support we greatly appreciate, kindly donate the busking trophy and prize money.
Friday evening brings us to the veteran section of the talent quest starting at 6pm. Following the veterans we have our most relaxed event of the weekend when our “walk-up” artists carry us on through the evening.
Saturday morning sees the day getting started with a brilliant cooked brekkie at the kitchen located on the northern side of the hall. Then at 9:30am (sharp!) the Talent Quest heats begin.
Sunday dawns, well almost dawn, with “Poet’s Corner” at 7:30am, where you can bring along your favourite pieces of poetry, recite it and then indulge in another home cooked breakfast to kick off Finals Day. The Finals start at 9:30 (sharp!) and go on throughout the day. In between each final is where you can see our Guest Artists, Nathan Charlton and Jamie Davis with the trophies and prizes being presented to our winners later in the day.
So we say a very fond farewell to all our old friends and guests for 2009 and a very enthusiastic welcome to all our new friends and we hope to see you all for a toe tapping good time in 2010.