It’s Action Day At Griffith’s Pioneer Park Museum

Looking for something to do for Good Friday today?

Head to Griffth Pioneer Park Museum and experience in vibrant life and what it was like for our pioneering families back in the day.

All the action starts at 10 am when you walk through the gates and step back in time to enjoy a range of events including steam engines, farm machinery and vintage cars.

The kids will delight in pulling the steam whistle that echoes throughout the museum, while the blacksmith’s fire is stoked to great temperatures and the sheep’s woolly coats are removed by the shearers. The first Action Day was held 52 years ago and was set to be the major fundraiser for the museum.

With one man on the gate and ladies bringing their knitting to fill in the day, they were not sure if the community would come, but they did. They ended up having thousands through the gate.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Chairperson of the Pioneer Park Museum Committee, Mayor Doug Curran said the activities at Pioneer Park Museum on Action Day made for a wonderful opportunity to showcase the museum and enjoy the cultural experience on offer.

“Action Day is always a very popular event and I am thankful we can once again welcome visitors to enjoy a wonderful day out with artisan stalls, food outlets and entertainment,” Mayor Curran said.

“Grandparents and parents alike love to share this day with their grandkids and families, enjoy the open space and range of activities such as old-fashioned games, farm animals, jumping castles, train rides and petting zoo for the kids as well.”

A free shuttle bus has been arranged to make it easier for people to get to the museum, and to ease traffic and congestion around the museum. The shuttle will start at 10 am and leave on the hour from the Griffith Tourism Hub car park and will leave from the museum every hour.

The shuttle bus will also pick them up from Dalton Park where those who wish to drive their vehicles can park and wait for the shuttle to collect and drop them off.

“I would urge the public to take advantage of this free shuttle service to avoid any parking issues,” Mayor Curran said.

Acting Manager of Griffith Pioneer Park Museum, Jennifer O’Donnell Priest said the team at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum had put together a great day of activities and family fun to ensure everyone is catered for.

“We have a new area that we are utilising for market stall holders,” Mrs O’Donnell Priest said.

“We have had a great response from vendors.

“The Saltbush Collection - boutique children’s wear, burnt timber products, preserves and handmade items galore will be for sale.”

The Italian Museum will be in full swing with the committee making and cooking pizza and pasta.

Mrs O’Donnell Priest said people can grab a glass of wine, sit down and eat, listen to some piano accordion and play a game of bocce.

The Lions Club will be cooking and serving fish and chips and the all-time favourite hot dogs while the Sikh community will be on hand donating their time to serve tasty Indian foods.

“Grab a bevvy from the old bar at Dumossa Inn and take a break under the marquee on Sharam Square - enjoying a meal and entertainment from a variety of performers,” Mrs O’Donnell Priest said.

“Stickie Fingers and Ironbark Blue Grass band will certainly bring atmosphere to the day.

“We are especially proud to have the newly formed local Marrambidya Dance Group performing at 11 am.

“There is no better way to enjoy Good Friday than with family and friends at Griffith Pioneer Park Museum.”

• Topics:

• Easter
• History