It’s great to see the organisers of the annual Hunter Valley Steamfest coming up with new and exciting ways to keep the crowds coming back year after year.
Steam train rides, The Great Race from Broadmeadow to Maitland on the last day of the festival and the chance to see working steam engines and equipment bring thousands of visitors to our city each year to celebrate all things steam.
Now in its 27th year, the festival has evolved once more and is ready to open its pride and joy – the $600,000 Steam Heritage Park shed – to the public.
The shed has been a long time in the planning and the chance to finally get inside and enjoy the many and varied displays has steam buffs excited.
Many were left disappointed last year when the shed was not ready in time.
Visitors will also welcome the chance this year to get close to steam engine 1042, which was removed from outside the Maitland Visitors Centre and is now housed outside the shed.
Throw in an adventure playground for children and a host of food stalls and Steamfest 2012 promises to be two days of great family fun.
Congratulations to Steamfest chairman, mayor of Maitland, Peter Blackmore; deputy chairman,
Cr Peter Garnham and their hard-working group of volunteers for the tireless work in keeping this marvellous event on track.
All we need now is clear skies this weekend.
