The last few days have been frantic for volunteers. Trips have been made to the Frost depots in Tamworth, Gunnedah and Armidale to collect artworks. All but one large work fitted into the truck at Armidale, can you believe it? But don't worry another volunteer headed back up the highway to collect it. All in all there is about 450 artworks entered this year. Volunteers have been in the RSL Memorial Hall all week. First off the works are meticulously unpacked and the packing materials carefully saved and labelled for later returning the works to their owners. Secondly everything has been catalogued. Last of all the painting and photographs are being hung and the pottery displayed.

It will be another very long day today, so if anyone has some time to help out, or even come down and make the crew some cups of tea, you will be warmly welcomed. the Hall is one the corner of Queen and Savoy streets, diagonally opposite the pool. But the main thing is, the exhibition is looking really terrific. There is a high standard of work. Hope you make it along to tomorrow night's opening or come along on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and see.

Frost Fair gets under way on Saturday 30 June just after nine o’clock when the frost has gone! This family event in the grounds of St. Laurence’s church has always been part of the Arts Festival. The Barraba Band sets an upbeat festive mood and there will be children’s items throughout the morning. The Kids' Korner with lots of fun activities , as well as the jumping castle, is always a popular place for the children. There will be the usual myriad of stalls... bric-a-brac, plants, books, clothing, handmade and of course great home cooking. You need to be early to claim one of the famous sponges. Food stalls are very popular too with a choice of morning tea soup and the late morning/lunchtime BBQ.  A Vintage and Collectibles Stall will have some surprising finds for everyone.

The Saturday afternoon concert at 1.30pm will conclude the Frost Fair and will feature the Inverell Male Choir with their varied bill of loved melodies and humour. The Thomas Jones Organ will also feature at the concert.

With so much still to do, I am glad that at least I have got the Posters and Flyers finished.

Now all I need to do is get them printed and out there! Well, maybe that is not all that I have to do, but at least I can tick off one job!

Speaking of which, if you have some spare time, in particular from Monday 25 June up to and including the weekend of Frost, and would like to volunteer, send me an email and I will add you to the Volunteer list.

Helpers are needed for all kinds of jobs including driving to collect works from depots in Gunnedah, Armidale and Tamworth, unpacking and cataloging works, hanging works in both the RSL Memorial Hall and the Youth Centre, feeding and watering the volunteers (always appreciated!) and so many other little tasks that become easier with more hands!

Any little bit helps, we would love to see you.

cheers, Sarah Marrett
Festival Secretary