Across two locations, the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail will provide an opportunity this weekend for members of the community to view and try the craftsmanship that built the region.
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The Trades Trail, returning after a two-year hiatus as the event was cancelled last year, will host around 120 artisans between the Bathurst Agricultural Research Station and Bathurst Showground on Saturday and Sunday.
Coordinator Sandy Bathgate said the Trades Trail is a family-friendly community event celebrating the special nature of hand-made crafts.
"Some of the featured crafts, such as blacksmithing, stonewalling and traditional timber techniques, were commonplace during the early years of Bathurst as a colonial settlement," Mr Bathgate said.
"Several trades will feature hands-on activities, and each artisan will be more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise."
- Sandy Bathgate
"We have around 60 volunteers registered to help out, and are expecting a crowd of around 2000."
Bathurst Showground will serve as a new location for this year's Trades Trail in order to better manage social distancing.
Mr Bathgate said the showground's heritage buildings, which have been here nearly as long as the Bathurst settlement has, will serve as an ideal venue for traditional craftsmanship.
"The fact part of the event will be held in these heritage buildings, which are gradually being restored, will provide a refreshed outlook for the event," he said.
"Several trades will feature hands-on activities, and each artisan will be more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise."
Mr Bathgate said he's delighted to see the event return considering the hasty cancellation of last year's event.
"We had everything ready to go last year only to cancel it two weeks out, and if we were forced to cancel again, it may not have returned," he said.
"There's plenty for people to see and do, so we're hoping for a good turnout."
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Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said the event is a great opportunity to "see how the tradies used to operate."
"There wasn't a Bunnings around in the 19th century, people had to seek out specialist craftsman to get various things fixed," Cr Bourke said.
Bathurst Regional Council tourism and visitor services manager Dan Cove said early bird tickets have sold well, highlighting the event's value as a heritage event.
"We've sold over 400 tickets already, which is significantly up on previous years, and it's fantastic to see a heritage offering so well supported," Mr Cove said.
The event will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days. Tickets cost $20.
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