Members of Crookwell's Mary Gilmore Society were delighted with the weekend's activities celebrating the life of Australia's renowned poet and author.
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Events began with an art exhibition at Studio 91 in Goulburn Street on Friday evening, hosted by gallery owner Doug MacIntyre, with about 70 people attending.
Councillor Malcolm Barlow officially opened the weekend of activities, dedicated to the life and work of locally born icon, Dame Mary Gilmore.
Visitors came from as far away as Sydney and Wollongong to enjoy the events, which included a poets' breakfast at Chataway Cafe on Saturday, and young people's performances that afternoon.
Society spokeswoman Trevene Mattox said thanks must go to the staff of the local schools for their encouragement of these young performers.
“The outstanding quality of local talent was soon in evidence through music, songs and poetry,’’ Ms Mattox said.
“Thank you to all those students who performed and to their teachers, Mrs Donna Woolley, head of music at Crookwell High School and Ms Gillian McCann, music and singing teacher, for their contribution to the local community and MGW.”
Society patron, MP Pru Goward handed certificates of appreciation to each participant.
High school students, India-Rose Toll and Hannah Stephens co-compered the session, with Peter Stephens on hand.
In the morning, poems by Mary Gilmore and information about her life were enjoyed by all present. Ian McFaul was the compere and Edith Medway entertained with keyboard items.
A wide variety of humorous and serious poetry was on offer by various contributors.
Buskers created a festive atmosphere in the main street throughout the day.
A trivia night was well-attended on Saturday night, testing the knowledge of all present and was won by a team from Rotary, comprising Mike and Marguerite Walsh and Geoff and Rhonda O'Connor.
The festivities concluded with Lunch with Live Music on Sunday, with a four-hour broadcast on Goulburn FM Radio 103.3.
Performers included Crookwell High School girls, Misha O'Brien and Meg Gamble, and many members of the Goulburn Country Music Group, travelling from far and near to share their talent.
Organisers had spent months working on the program and were pleased to welcome some of Dame Mary Gilmore's relatives for the occasion.
This is the fifth year of celebrations to keep alive the memory of one of Australia’s national treasures.
Society member Marion Jordan it was to be hoped that next year the tradition would continue.
