The inaugural Sheepfest was a rousing success for the Darkan community, with more than a thousand visitors attending the festival.
More than 1200 visited Darkan Town Oval on Saturday, February 10 for Sheepfest, which celebrated the sheep and wool industry in Darkan.
The event featured rides and free entertainment for the children, sport shear competitions, sheepdog mustering, wool fashion shows and a collection of market stalls.
Local farmer David Harrington said it was great to see so many people turn up and learn about Darkan the sheep industry.
“It’s great to see all these people living by the coast coming over the hill to find out what actually is out here in the country and what we are all doing,” he said.
Bunbury local Nerida Pickup visited Sheepfest with her children and said the events like Sheepfest are particularly important for the children.
“I was lucky enough to grow up in the country but unfortunately like so many other parents, my children haven’t been able to have the same upbringing and childhood experiences that I did,” she said.
“At least at events like Darkan Sheepfest they get to know what it would be like...even if it’s just for one day.”
The idea of Sheepfest came from Regional Development Australia (Wheatbelt) Enterprising Communities Program facilitated through the Shire of West Arthur.
The program’s main aim was to increase awareness of and showcase the history and industry of towns in the Wheatbelt.
