By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on November 20, 2020
MORE than a century of history will be celebrated this weekend at King River Hall.
The iconic pink building will mark its 120th birthday this Sunday, November 22 with a party and exhibition open to the public from 12-3pm.
The event will be celebrated with historical displays, art and photo exhibitions, stalls, vintage motorcycles and cars, family games, live music, food and of course, birthday cake.
The Hall first began as an agricultural produce swap and meeting place in the 1900s.
The King River region particularly specialised in pears, apples and various citrus fruits, and so these were the most common produce seen at the Hall.
Current Secretary Ruth Haight said the Hall is the oldest community hall in the region and was perhaps the first location of a small-scale agricultural show.
She explained that the Hall was once a buzzing hub for the King River community but that it slowed down once the housing landscape started to change – nearby farmers weren’t too impressed with ‘newbies’ coming in and transforming the locale to rural-residential.
But with the current pandemic encouraging strong community ties, the Hall’s committee is keen to see the Hall revitalised and restored to its former glory.
“History pervades this building; it’s like it oozes out of the wood, and I think it’s fabulous,” President Joan Watkinson said.
“When you get older, you realise you’ve got to remember these stories and keep them alive,” Ms Haight added.
“To me, the Hall is the throbbing heart of this community and we want to keep it that way.”
Mayor Dennis Wellington will unveil a commemorative plaque in the morning followed by birthday cake at noon.
King River Hall is located at 1520 Millbrook Road.
