If they weren't cheering on 'racers' in the twilight race meet they were cackling in Jubilee Park at amateur balladeers or enjoying the autumnal surrounds of Glenrock Garden or farm life at Arrajay Downs or the view from Mount Mackenzie or a dozen other events put on for festival-goers at this year's Oracles in the Bush.
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The main concert on Saturday night drew a large crowd who enjoyed a great atmosphere, thanks to the hysterical stylings of guest poets Melanie Hall, Susie Carcary, Neil McArthur and Errol Gray, along with MC Marco Gliori.
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The crew and much of the crowd faced up to breakfast in Jubilee Park the next day for free performances by some old and new talent. Young Archie George won the Poets Brawl with a humorous ode to his mother and her foibles, which he just penned earlier that morning.
The slightly-more-serious competition took place over several heats of the Looming Legend awards, with heats culminating in the grand final at Tenterfield Memorial Hall on Sunday afternoon.
Heather Searls was named Looming Legend, ahead of Leo Haegherbaert. Ms Searls also took out first place for a previously-published work, with Paddy O'Brien coming second.
Ken Woodward was awarded the Patsy Wilson prize of the novice section.
The multitude of associated events scheduled for this time of year which shows Tenterfield at its best (drought notwithstanding) also included the junior art competition (this year's theme was Aussie mates) and Children's Concert, a special induction at the Tenterfield Transport Museum of 2019 legend John Munro, the Lions Club Brekkie in the Park on Friday to kick off the long weekend, and multiple opportunities at local venues to catch up with the visiting poets on a more-casual basis.
Tea-and-damper in Bald Rock National Park required a change of location with local parks closed in the aftermath of recent fires. Mt Mackenzie, however, put on quite a show with the initial fog creating a cosy atmosphere, only to lift and reveal a spectacular view of the district.
