Evandale was taken back in time to the 1800s as penny farthings, fancy dresses, and fencers roamed the streets.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Saturday, February 23 marked the day of the annual Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships.
Organising committee member Di Sullivan said it was a beautiful day.
"It went very well. The weather was just perfect, which makes a big difference for these kinds of events," she said.
The past few events had been met with rain.
"The racing went off extremely well. We were very happy with the whole day," Ms Sullivan said.
The national championship title went to Tim Nash of Victoria.
Ms Sullivan said it was Nash's first win.
"It was really good to have a new national champion," she said.
In second place was James Fowler of New South Wales, and third place went to Darren Singline of Launceston.
Both had been champions in previous years.
The ladies championship was won by Lizanne Fox of New South Wales.
In second and third place were sisters Claire and Briody Maynard from Evandale.
"That was wonderful," Ms Sullivan said.
"It's a very family oriented event.
"I think because we cover such a wide range of age groups, like our youngest rider was eight and our oldest ones were in their 70s.
"It's an event that really attracts family groups."
The event started in 1983, and attracts penny farthing enthusiasts from across Australia and the world.
In a first this year, students of the Prima Spada School of Classical and Historic Fencing was onsite demonstrating their skills.
Prima Spada began in Queensland, and only recently opened a salle at Deloraine.
Chief instructor Keith Beattie said they were trying to fit in with the flavour of the festival.
"We were portraying gentlemen who were wearing 18th century costumes and were doing 18th century small-sword," he said.
"We basically show the duelling swordplay of periods gone by."
The school also teaches renaissance rapier and sword.
The school is open to those aged 14 years and over.
To get involved, visit the website at primasada.com.au or contact enquiries@primaspada.com.au.