Chair of the Griffith Pioneer Park Museum Committee Councillor Eddy Mardon, said the popular event had become a time-honoured tradition.

“It’s the longest standing Easter tradition we have in Griffith and the staff and volunteers at Pioneer Park Museum are very proud of that,“ said Cr Mardon.

This year visitors to Action Day will be treated to horsemanship and whip cracking displays, horse shoeing, blacksmith demonstrations, sheep shearing, wool-spinning and felting displays and so much more.

Pioneer Park Museum Curator Bonnie Owen said few people would realise the very first Action Day was held over the Easter long weekend in 1971.

“That year on Good Friday 9 April, the Pioneer Park village welcomed both locals and visitors to the budding museum. Early Action Days showcased traditional trades such as spinning, weaving, crafts and sheep shearing, as well as donkey rides, wagon rides and machinery displays,” said Ms Owen.

“On Easter Monday 12 April 1971, the museum was officially opened by Elizabeth Clarke (nee Roberts), the granddaughter of Alfred and Elizabeth Hill of Fairview Cottage. Fairview Cottage was the very first building to be relocated to Pioneer Park Museum and Mrs Clark was proud to be able to represent her family and open the site that now housed the cottage she grew up in.”

In the lead up to the first-ever Action Day, curiosity and excitement had reached fever pitch throughout the city.

An article in The Area News appealed to the public for donations of produce such as jams, chutney, eggs and sugar to the Pioneer Park Museum committee, who were making preparations for the coming event.

The paper also boasted the arrival of the old steam roller that was to be part of the Vintage Festival procession, and encouraged all to get a peak of the engine before it made its way up Scenic Hill to its final destination at the museum.

“As it will not be breaking any speed limits it is hoped that it will reach the top of Scenic Hill in time for the opening on Monday,” The Area News article said in 1971.

“The legacy of Pioneer Park Action Day is steeped in tradition, with it still being held every year on Good Friday,” Ms Owen said.

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“The day has grown to include wonderful entertainment and children’s activities, but is still sure to impress the large crowds with the same lost trades that are so rarely seen in modern times.”

Griffith’s Easter weekend is synonymous with an exciting program of festivities that showcase our vibrant city.

Visit the 47th annual Action Day this year on Good Friday. Gates open from 10am to 4pm with a free shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre car park.

For more information and updates on activities follow the Pioneer Park Museum Facebook page.