The Binya Arts and Craft Festival will showcase artists and craftspeople, with exhibitions and sales of arts and crafts, as well as great wine, food and music.

Over 20 artists and artisans, including Jennifer Forster and Michelle Harpley, have confirmed they will be attending this year’s event.

Run by the Binya Hall committee, all funds raised go towards the hall and community initiatives.

“The aim of the weekend is to allow budding artisans a venue to display and sell their works,” committee member Helen Dalton said.

“We also have condiments, assorted goods and produce.

“We do not take commission so we are encouraging arts and crafts in the Riverina and at this time of the year with Christmas looming it is a fantastic opportunity to purchase goods and support the community.

“We would really like to put Binya on the map for its promotion and excellence in arts and crafts. We hope to gain a grant to do an outdoor art project similar to street art in Penang, Malaysia.”

The arts and crafts weekend has been running for four years and last year raised about $7000.

A previous grant was used to add a verandah, with future projects including a barbecue area and toilets, play equipment, paving, a War Memorial, bar renovation, completion of the kitchen and a back fence.

Helen said the community wanted to retain the historical integrity of the hall.  

“It is the only public venue in Binya and is used for everything - weddings, funerals, 21sts, auctions, church services, school events, theatre, bands, balls, dances, sporting club and meetings,” she said.

“It is essential for our community and provides community unity.

“The Binya Arts and Craft weekend is our major fundraiser and we hope to raise over $5000 this year for air-conditioning, fans and heating in the hall. We do have some heating, but we require more.”

Money will be raised through a gold-coin donation on entry, stall or site bookings, a raffle and the sale of food and drinks.

There will be morning and afternoon tea on offer both days, as well as lunch, and a bar will operate.

The weekend is cash sales only as there are no ATM or EFTPOS facilities.

Live entertainment on Saturday will include Griffith Ukulele Band, Vince Conlan and Laura Irvin. Anyone who wants to can book a time and busk with everyone encouraged to have a go.

“Last year we would have had in excess of 500 people through and we expect more this year,” Helen said.