Picnic at Ross

Well, this year’s “Picnic at Ross” is upon us and we are again looking forward to a great gathering this year. Here are some details about the day.

For this year cars should not arrive in Ross prior to 10.00 am. If you are heading from the south please enter Ross by the southern entrance to town and all northern participants should enter via the northern entrance. In each case marshals will be on hand to direct you once you arrive into town at the main intersection. As previously advised clubs or groups who wish to display together should arrive together, as numbers expected mean we will not be able to reserve spaces in that club or group for late comers. We will be using the same village green as for last year (the old primary school ground) and some street parking has been approved thanks to the Northern Midlands Council. Arrangements are made for ample display parking regardless of numbers, however it is important for smooth operation that you obey any directions given by parking marshals.

Police have been advised about the day and the media have offered to broadcast about possible slower vehicles on the Midland Highway on 16 May, particularly at the entrances to Ross in the morning and exits on conclusion of the day. It is expected that the event will conclude by 3.00pm.

Local Ross businesses have combined to provide the major lucky gate prize, (drawn at 1.30pm) and there definitely will be a market on the day. As well, there will be many garage sales at residences around town and we will have a map of these activities plus a memento of your visit for you upon your arrival. We are advised that heritage village conducted walking tours will be available at 11.00am and 2.00pm. If you wish to go on one of these tours check these times at the Wool/Information Centre when you arrive and make your bookings there. Places on the tours will be limited and the cost is $4.00 per person.

Whilst we are encouraging participants to get in the picnic spirit by bringing their own, a sausage sizzle and refreshment facilities will be available for those who do not wish to bring a picnic along. In addition, regular local outlets have been alerted to possible numbers in 2010 for catering purposes. To add further interest, multiple themed events created by the people of Ross for the whole weekend is called Gatsby to Google which includes our gathering on the Sunday and some car enthusiasts have told us they intend to dress in period costume for the day. We are pleased that the National Trust wanted our event to be an integral part of their schedule of the Tasmanian Heritage Festival’s “Deco to Digital” era this year and the event has also been included in the Tourism Tasmania’s Lumina Winter of Festivals. In both cases “Picnic at Ross” is included in printed calendars being widely distributed. This year activities will be there for the whole family and parents should note a puppet show will be conducted twice on the day for the children.

All are looking forward to 16 May in the historic village, and we say thanks to the hard work of the sub committee of the Post Vintage Car Club of Tasmania Inc as well as the Ross Tourism Hub Group and the businesses of Ross. “Picnic at Ross” has been positioned on the calendar as an autumn event that avoids clashes with many other events. Please note that whatever the weather “Picnic at Ross” will be on as it has been designated an all weather event. Finally, a note for next year, mark the date Sunday 15 May 2011 in your diaries now. For further information, contact “Picnic at Ross Co-ordinator Alan Keogh on 0427 765 788.

See you at Ross!

"Picnic at Ross", A Very Special Tasmanian Motoring Event