The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival

We were fortunate and grateful to be granted permission to photograph The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival, held in Corryong from April 8th to 11th, 2010. 

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival was established in 1995, and is a "unique bush gathering of mountain riders, poets, artists and lovers of the Australian High Country and pioneering spirit."  The Festival is held every April and draws visitors both from around Australia and overseas.  It is a celebration of traditional high country and bush culture and offers its visitors the opportunity to experience the "traditional Australian bushskills that remain an essential part of Australia's heritage."

On the following pages you will find some 7000 photos taken over the course of the Festival.  We first met up with Riley's Riders at Tom Groggin station early in the week and our adventure culminated with the awarding of the offficial "Man from Snowy River" trophy to Mr. David Mitchell on Sunday afternoon.

We would like to thank The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Committee for allowing us the privilege of taking part in the Festival and we hope that you find our photographic coverage entertaining.  For more information about the Festival visit The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival website.

 

Rileys Ride
This annual ride is held to commemorate Jack Riley's life, and the part he played in the early days of this district,
and also to applaud the efforts of those men who tried to rescue him under harsh and trying conditions.
Follow the link to view the photos we took of the participants over the course of their 4 day journey.
 
The Art Show and Official Opening
Many fine works of art and photography are displayed and offered for sale at the Art Show.
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival was officially opened by Brett Garling who was in Corryong to unveil
his lifesize bronze sculpture of The Man From Snowy River.
Click through to view some photos taken at the official opening of the Festival.
 
The Re-Enactment
This event is a portrayal of Banjo's famous poem. The colt from old Regret escapes and is eventually captured and
returned by "The Man from Snowy River'
Click through to find some photos that we took during this event.
 
The Street Parade
Hundreds of people line Hanson Street for an entertaining parade. This event grows each year and features
Riley's Riders, antique machinery and many entries from local service clubs and organisations.
On the following pages you will find the photos taken at the event.
 
Unveiling the Man From Snowy River statue
Many Corryong residents and visitors dropped by to watch as sculptor Brett Garling, assisted by some well-known
Corryong identities unveiled the lifesize bronze statue of Jack Riley - the Man from Snowy River - in Attree Park.
Click through to view some photos taken during the unveiling
 
The Man from Snowy River Challenge
Hailed as the showcase event of the Festival, the challenge seeks to find the modern day Man from Snowy River.
Click through to view the photos that we took during this wonderful display of horsemanship by the 78 competitors..
 
The Man from Snowy River Festival Rodeo
Although it was raining quite heavily, those visitors who stayed on enjoyed a great night watching the bull and
saddle bronc riders.
We got a couple of photos before the lack of light and the rain beat us. Follow the link through to see them.
 
The Concert - Korey Livy, Amber Lawrence and Travis Collins
After the Rodeo, the crowd was treated to great performances by local star Korey Livy, and contemporary country artists Amber Lawrence and Travis Collins
 
The Poets, Buskers and Musicians
One of the more colourful aspects of the Festival are the performances by the Buskers, the Poets and the Musicians.
Click through to view some photos taken during the Festival.
 
The Two Dans
The Two Dans performances at the Festival aimed to highlight paths to successful horsemanship.
 
The Ute Muster
Whatever the make or model, ute owners from far and wide can come and show off their pride and joy. A must see for all ute enthusiasts. The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival - Where Legends Drive!
click through to view some of the spectacular cars on show
 
The Official Souvenir Book - 2009
Here is a copy of the book that we prepared last year. Stay tuned for the 2010 book should be prepared in early May.