From top hats to bonnets the crowd at Step Back into King Street embraced the vintage theme on Saturday.
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But it was an olive green clad girl who really impressed with her historically accurate representation of would-be female World War II soldier.
Medowie’s Elizabeth Sharp, 5, was dubbed ‘Mini Maud’ for her representation of Kurri Kurri woman Maud Butler, who cut her hair and stowed away twice, desperate to fight, only to be returned home each time.
It was worth the effort for Elizabeth who won the inaugural MarketPlace Best Dressed Child category.
Festival organiser Kaye Newtown was impressed with the lengths that people young and old went to.
“It was good to see more people getting into dressing up for the occasion, including more men,” she said.
“The mild warm conditions really encouraged patrons to relax and linger, with the many free games proving popular.”
The street was again closed to traffic and all vehicles kicked out so patrons could truly immerse themselves in the vintage surrounds.
King Street was the original main street and CBD of Raymond Terrace from 1840 until the 1955 flood. But the festival moved back even further in time to include penny farthings from the 1890s with the riders in period-accurate attire.
Read more: The festival in years gone by
The Hunter School of Performing Arts Marching Show Band made their first appearance at the festival with an impressive routine of coordinated moves, dancers and non-stop music.
Once again the Morris dancers came from Sydney to show their traditional folk Street dances.
“The day does rely on many local community organisations being involved who are all volunteers themselves,” Ms Newtown said.
“I didn’t actually recognize [Paterson MP] Meryl Swanson who was there until afterwards when I saw her in photos dressed up in a bonnet.”
The Mayor Ryan Palmer was also there to assist with the awarding of prizes.
Preparation for the 2019 event has already begun with a call to any couples that wish to be married on Saturday, May 18, underneath the marriage trees that pre-date Raymond Terrace churches. Alternatively, married couples might wish to renew their vows at the event.
