On Sunday 17 July 2011 from 9.am - 3.pm the Arms of Australia Inn Museum at Emu Plains celebrates one of the most important achievements in our early colonial history – the building of a road across the Blue Mountains by William Cox in July 1814.On Sunday, July 17 the NSW Corps of Marines will be taking charge, of the William Cox Historical Festival and Open Day at the Arms of Australia Inn, corner of Great Western Highway and Gardenia Ave, Emu Plains, NSW starting at 9.am,
These will include a display of musketry by the Marines, trials and floggings of miscreants, and other re-enactments from the life and times of the early colony.
Among the new attractions on show this year will be a display of the Nepean District Historical Society's horse drawn wagons and carts. The 5th Light Horse Regiment will be demonstrating troop drill, the Australian Heritage Dance Company with dance the dances of yesteryear and the Oiena Pchilka branch of the Ukrainian Women's Association will again entertain with a short program of song and dance.
Children can join in old-fashioned games; pet animals in the animal farm and this year get up close and personal with live reptiles from the Herpetological Society. They can jump to their heart's desire in the jumping castle, get their face painted, try their hand in the old school room, or ride on a pony and much more.
In the afternoon, teams of ten will try to beat last year's winners of the biggest tug-of-war in the Nepean Valley. There will be plenty of displays, food, music, stalls, stage entertainment and activities, both old and new.
