Stick-up highlight

By Tania Martin
A STAGED train robbery, a rescue demonstration and plenty of fun and excitement for young children will be just some of the many highlights of the 2007 Emerald Winterfest.
Now in its 14th year, Winterfest promises to draw its biggest crowed yet.
More than 10,000 people are expected to converge on Emerald on Sunday for the annual festival.
One of the major highlights of the day will be a rescue demonstration set up by the local SES, CFA, police and ambulance services.
Each year the local emergency services put on a major demonstration for the Winterfest including car rollovers, head-on-head collisions and a level crossing accident.
But this year the demonstration promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
The emergency services team is keeping closed mouth about the demonstration, going so far as to keep it from the event organisers but have eluded that it will be something that has never been done before.
The infamous Mad Macca staged hold-up of Puffing Billy is also set to be a major drawing card for the festival.
Emerald bushranger Mad Macca and his gang will stage a raid that will see the legendary locomotive hijacked.
With a loot of chocolate coins to throw into the crowd Mad Macca and his gang will make friends with the locals before being chased away by police.
Visitors and local residents will have two chances to watch the exciting performance of the train hold-up on Sunday at 11.15am and 1.15pm.
In the past Mad Macca and his gang have fled the authorities, but the Winterfest committee says this year there will be a change to the storyline.
In an unprecedented move a £250 reward for information will be offered to help catch the train outlaw and his gang.
The Winterfest will also be a shoppers paradise with more than 100 stalls selling art and crafts, jewellery, local produce and other items.
Children will be kept entertained with a petting zoo and parade, numerous amusement rides, slot car racing, and face painting, while adults can enjoy the vintage car and military displays.
Winterfest will start at 9am and finish at 4pm in Emerald and admission is free.
Meanwhile visitors can also try some wine tasting at The Greenroom Bar and Lounge from 11am to 2pm or drop into the town’s library for its monthly book sale.