NESTLED among the foothills of the majestic Snowy Mountains, Corryong is gearing up for its annual Man From Snowy River Bush Festival.
Held on the last weekend of March, the successful event is in its 18th year and hosts visitors from around Australia as well as overseas.
The festival has many attractions on offer with the main event the Man from Snowy River Challenge the modern day version of Banjo's Man from Snowy River.
The three-day event is split into six tests, with the winner being judged on the stamina, endurance and the relationship between horse and rider.
Following this, the Man From Snowy River re-enactment brings to life the poem with the ride celebrating Jack Riley's life and showcasing the beauty of horsemanship and agility of the brumbies.
The Station Team Muster gives a snapshot of a day in the life of a farmer teams of two start the race in their swag and complete an agility course, swag-breakfast, fencing and feeding stock as they race against the clock.
Festival co-ordinator Jenny Boardman said they were always adding something new to the program.
"This year we have the wood chop, Man From Snowy River cattle dog championships, reptile show, whip crack demonstration and open competition run by master whip maker Anthony Rennick," she said. Tent pegging is a new addition to the festival, with the Australian light horse versus the mountain bushies, showing their skills of riding and hitting targets at high speeds with spears.
"This is reminiscent of army days in battle of mounted army men fighting on horseback, a historical event replication," Ms Boardman said.
The 2012 Man From Snowy River Festival also celebrates bush poetry, hosting the Australian national championships.
"Aussie bush idol showcases the up and coming talent," Ms Boardman said.
"There are about 40 entries in the singing competition on the Saturday afternoon with the six best performers chosen as "rising stars".
"They will open the concert held on the Saturday evening followed by Korey Livy and his band, who is known for his Tim McGraw tribute show and being a contestant on Australian Idol 2006."
The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival is a not for profit organisation with 400 volunteers making the event a success.
"The festival has attracted 10,000 visitors to the area annually proving that the festival is a grand success and will carry on for many years to come," Ms Boadman said.
Tickets are available until March 16.
