Tamworth will be stepping back in time this Sunday, 14 September, as the Tamworth Historical Society hosts a lively Spring Fair at the Calala Cottage Museum.
The event marks a remarkable milestone, celebrating 150 years since the construction of the original Calala House in 1875.
The gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and the festivities will continue through until 2:00 p.m., with admission by gold-coin donation. Visitors can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, and a chance to reconnect with local history.
“We’re really looking forward to a day of celebration and fun.” said Publicity officer for the Tamworth Historical Society, Melissa Lovelock.
“Regardless of what your interests are we really have something for everyone.”
Throughout the day, the grounds will come alive with live music, children’s games, a sizzling BBQ, and plenty of sweet treats including Devonshire tea and ice cream. Vintage cars will be on display for motoring enthusiasts, while sheep-shearing demonstrations and blacksmithing displays will highlight the skills and traditions that helped shape life in the New England region. Stalls selling books, trash and treasure items, and more will add to the sense of community spirit.
By popular demand, ‘Horace’ the 1920s Dodge will also be proudly on display along with three of his friends who have been kindly lent out by the Tamworth Vintage Car Club.
The day is not only about fun but also about reflection. Calala House, built in 1875 by Philip Gidley King—who went on to become Tamworth’s first mayor—remains the centrepiece of the museum.
Alongside it stands a rare shepherd’s hut, one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in the district. These two buildings offer an authentic glimpse into the area’s early European settlement. Since the museum first opened its doors in 1976, the site has grown to include seven buildings and extensive displays that trace Tamworth’s social, cultural, and domestic history.
“At 10am we will be having an official opening with a few notable surprise guest speakers and then we’ll really get into the fun side of things with our time trial competition of ‘Blooming Bloomers’, where you can see how many bloomers you can peg up with dolly pegs in a race against the clock,” said Ms Lovelock.
The Tamworth Historical Society hopes the Spring Fair will attract both locals and visitors to enjoy a day of celebration while gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving heritage. Over the years, many of the museum’s additional buildings and exhibits have been carefully relocated to the site, creating a space where the community can experience Tamworth’s transformation over a century and a half.
“The grounds and cottage are looking fantastic. We’ve had Council com on board earlier this year to repaint everything and one of our volunteers teaches horticulture at TAFE and so we had TAFE students helping us with our gardens,” said Ms Lovelock.
If you’re looking to become a part of the Historical Society, Ms Lovelock encourages people to reach out.
“Much like the fair we really do have something for everyone in terms of what we all manage at the cottage – gardens, catering, a library and archives, antiques – it’s so broad.”
“Council cares for the buildings and the volunteers curate and take care of everything inside. It’s very rewarding.”
As families and history lovers gather to enjoy food, entertainment, and old-fashioned fun, they will also be honouring a place that has stood quietly through generations of change.
This Sunday’s Spring Fair promises to be a memorable occasion filled with colour, music, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia. All are welcome to come along, share in the celebrations, and support the preservation of one of Tamworth’s most treasured landmarks.
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