A weekend of living heritage

Exhibitors and guests came from all over Victoria, NSW and even South Australia.

Echuca Steam Preservation Society Inc. president Alan Edwards said attendees marvelled at the display.

“This is a chance for us and other people to show off equipment, machinery and items that we have put lots of effort into restoring,” he said.

“I was talking to a bloke from Melbourne who had never come up here and ... he said it was amazing the amount of stuff that we see here.

“The kids too, (they) are quite mesmerised by things like the little engines running and the steam engines driving around.”

The rally had a range of exhibits that showcased the workings of historical machinery and engines.

The Echuca Vintage Machine Club was among them, showing off a collection of static steam engines.

The Clydesdale and Working Horse Showcase returned again this year, holding demonstrations of olden day field ploughing methods.

Guests were also able to see live demonstrations of traditional trades, brought to life by modern-day practitioners who are keeping the crafts alive, such as the Echuca Wool and Craft Group.

There was also lots for the youngsters to enjoy with face painting, bush crafts and an animal nursery.

The miniature train rides proved popular again this year as it towed children and adults around the circuit.

Pilot Michael Jones was also popular as he performed an aerobatics display in his Pitts Special S1T 200 hp beast.

There was live music from various groups including the Federal Band, Lokki Acoustic, Zara Linderman duo, Lukey Luke and Juke Box and the Clan Macleod Pipe Band.

The Echuca and District Historic Vehicle Club also enjoyed a successful show with more than 45 cars on display for the show and shine.

Motorists gathered from all over including Swan Hill, Ballarat, Wagga Wagga, Mildura and Deniliquin.

The events section leader Brent Stephen said he was impressed with the range of vehicles.

“It's a good opportunity to support the event and to share the cars with the local community,” he said.

“I enjoyed talking particularly to the people from other clubs ... and sharing our experiences with running our clubs and the different events that they have on as well.

“There were some lovely, really high standard old vintage cars, some that I've never seen before as far as their brand.”

The first day of the event finished without a hitch, however, the rainfall on Sunday put a dampener on the second day.

Guests were still rolling in Sunday morning before heavy rain began to fall not long after noon.

Mr Edwards said despite the rain, the rest of the event still went well.

“(Attendance) was good until the rain came through ... the exhibitors continued to brave the weather, ” he said.

“As far as running the event, it’s gone pretty smoothly. The weather we can’t really do much about.

“It’s steam rally weekend and everyone knows it rains on steam rally weekend.”