The 2024 Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular WILL BE just that!
This year the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will also feature stars from Scotland, England, USA and across Australia, as well as rare trades including harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations & driving displays, whip plaiting and a Calling of the Clans in a nod to the breed’s Scottish heritage.
Ω In HUGE news internationally acclaimed Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, the creator of the world famous The Kelpies in Falkirk, Scotland (which has just marked it’s 10 year anniversary), the two huge iconic Clydesdale heads that are the largest equine sculptures in the world and a man-made wonder, will be guest of honour! Andy also created Clydebuilt, the landmark metal Clydesdale statue that sits proudly in the centre of the township of Boonah. He built the huge Clydesdale from metal in 2003, in the workshop of the famous Old Butter Factory in Boonah and his much-anticipated return is already creating a buzz across the country. There are plenty of opportunities to meet Andy, firstly at An Evening With Andy Scott on Wednesday June 12 (book here), and then across the weekend of June 15 and 16.
Ω Famed Australian horseman, entertainer and bush poet, Guy McLean and his team of horses have performed in front of over one million people, and this year bring their incredible performances to the Clydesdale Spectacular. He will also host clinics, classes and meet and greet sessions.
Ω In another international coup, American Lumberjack and Timber Sports Specialist Scott Hyde will perform Speed Climbing, Axe Throwing and Log Rolling in the main arena, and take part in the first ever Australia Vs the USA. Scott is also a well-known arborist, scientist and conservationist and is keen to share his skills and knowledge during the Spectacular.
Ω Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances, harness making and bush poetry.
Ω In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdales, there will be a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan Class and traditional Scottish Caber Tossing. There’ll be haggis burgers and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts!
Ω Boonah Town Tours – Horse Drawn Wagon Rides across the weekend. Jump aboard a horse drawn wagon, pulled by three beautiful, big Clydesdales and enjoy a tour of Boonah! These tours will operate in the week leading up to the Clydesdale Spectacular.
Ω Rum, Whisky & Gin Bar – it wouldn’t be a Scottish flavoured event if there wasn’t any Whisky!! The CLYDIE Bar will feature a dram of 10 different Scottish Whiskies, plus exclusive Rum blends and locally distilled Gin.
Ω A Winter Warmer with the Clydesdales – June is also Scenic Rim Eat Local Month and on Saturday June 15 these two events come together with a fabulous shindig at Olive View Estate featuring the Clydies, bush dancing and delicious wintery fare including Chef Pepe Garcia’s signature Spanish Paella, mouth-watering local roast pork and warm Scottish desserts, plus some ol’ fashioned bush dancing among the 700 olive trees! (book here),
THE CLYDESDALE CONNECTION – The Boonah area has a long history and connection with the Clydesdale said Organising Sub-Committee Chair, Rick Stanfield. “Our region owes much to the majestic Clydesdales which played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim’s incredible agricultural base by clearing vast tracts of land, ploughing the paddocks and bringing in the harvest. While the advent of machinery saw a decline in the breed in the 1960s, the efforts of fan, breeders and this event committee to preserve and celebrate the 130-year history of these gentle giants here has resulted in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular becoming one of Queensland’s most significant events,” he said.
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will be staged in the middle of the region’s famous EAT LOCAL MONTH, creating just another reason to visit, stay and experience (see the program and book tickets at eatlocalmonth.com.au)!
Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2024
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June 2024
Boonah Showgrounds at 8 Melbourne Street, Boonah
8am until late both days
