Despite a light sprinkling of rain, crowds were strong for this year’s celebration of the tiny town’s industrial history. 

Inventive scrap metal sculptures decorated the space during the official opening on Friday evening, November 17. Tingha police officer Geoff Weller’s corrugated iron animals were popular, and only a few caught on to the phrase ‘Tingha 21’ on one piece, inspired by a local police car.  

“When I looked closer, I saw that it had a bull’s head hanging out the window – so it’s actually a bull wagon,” Ms Graham laughed. 

“He goes all out. He’s just amazing."

Aboriginal poet Esther Gardiner performed a Welcome to Country accompanied by Josh Williams on the didgeridoo. 

Classic cars lined the main road and children carried the Tingha Public School logo proudly during the parade on Saturday. Led by local police, the Rural Fire Service had several vehicles participating. The tin princess hopefuls gathered together in their fancy frocks on a truck, while the Armidale Pipe Band added to the atmosphere.

“(The band) stirred everybody’s heart,” Ms Graham said.

The new children’s entertainment was a hit, with around 600 taking turns on the rock climbing, jumping castle and bungy jump.

With 15 entrants, judges had a tough job choosing the winners in the tin princess competition. This year’s Little Miss Tin Princess was Izabella Connors. Yalana Grills took home the Miss Princess crown while Tishari Morgan and Chelsea Roberts won the Junior Tin Princess and Tin Princess titles respectively.

The three judges got to know the girls during the festival and at a high tea the week before, and chose the princesses based on their presentation, disposition, social interaction, accomplishments and ambitions.

Despite clashing with Inverell’s Northern Inland 4x4 Fishing, Caravan and Camping Expo this year, Ms Graham was thrilled by organiser Heath Roberts’ generosity in providing 50 expo tickets for lucky door prizes.