Two hundred years ago, explorer John Oxley was heading to Harrington, though it hadn’t been named that yet.
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He arrived on the shores of ‘Harrington Lake’ and made camp on October 19, where he and his party stayed for the next two days.
To mark the bicentenary of John Oxley’s arrival at the town he named after the Earl of Harrington, a small committee has organised a celebration extending four days, October 19-22.
Harrington Evening VIEW Club is hosting the official launch of the celebrations on Friday, October 19 at the Harrington Waters golf club. Past and current residents and descendants of Harrington residents, are invited along. Rev David Freeman is the guest speaker and MidCoast mayor, David West will attend.
On Saturday morning, October 20 at 8am at flag raising ceremony will be held at Pilot Hill, followed by a street parade. Evening VIEW members will be marching with umbrellas.
The parade sets off from the Crowdy Harrington Marine Rescue building and marches to Club Harrington. Taking part will be the Taree Historic Car Club, the Light Horse reenactment group and school children.
A Town Crier will add to the atmosphere and keep people informed of what’s happening.
After the parade, Harrington Lions will unveil history boards at the John Oxley Reserve, featuring the history of the explorer and Harrington. Food stalls and the Lions barbecue will be available at the reserve.
The VIEW club will set up a history display in the Harrington Memorial Hall featuring the history of clubs, groups and families which will be open from 8.30am on the Saturday. Tea, coffee, scones and damper will be available at the hall all day, provided by the hall committee.
On Saturday night, Harrington Public School’s P and C is hosting a bush dance at Club Harrington and on Sunday, a church service will be held. The display at the hall will be open from 9am to 1pm Sunday.
On Monday, October 22, the actual day John Oxley crossed the Manning River, which he first thought was a lake, Harrington Public School students will reenact the crossing at the Harrington Lagoon next to Marine Rescue.
The celebrations are being organised by a small committee including Phil West (chair) from Harrington Lions, Cliff Haore (parade) of the Harrington Crowdy Head Chamber of Commerce, and Janeen Clifton, from Harrington Evening VIEW, who is the contact for history, family photographs and family connections. Janeen can be contacted via email janeenclifton@gmail.com or phone 6556 3323 or mobile 0408 202 707.