Fishfest
Plan ahead
For the 37th year the Penrith Panthers Fishing Club will run Fishfest on the Neapean and Hawkesbury rivers. It's a strictly catch, photograph and release event covering both fresh and saltwater varieties including mullet, herring, carp, bream, flounder and whiting. There will be more than $20,000 in cash and prizes on offer. So check your rods and tackle are in order and head down to the river. Fishfest, from 5pm Feb 26 until 2pm Feb 28, $25 adults, $15 juniors (under 14), register at www.panthersfishfest.com.au
New Quilt 2021
Art
"Think big, think bold - be adventurous!" was the criteria for this exhibition that calls on quilters to explore their craft in new ways. The New Quilt's 40 pieces was curated from more than 100 entries to the QuiltNSW callout. It includes multi-dimensional works that look at the challenges and joys of 2020. Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre (Top Floor), 300 George St, Windsor. Feb 6 - Apr 11. Gallery closed on Tuesday and public holiday.
Night animals
Free
Keep your ears open and eyes (aided by a torch) alert on this nature tour that could see you come face-to-face with Yellow-bellied gliders or Feather-tailed Glider. Not to mention insects. This walk with ecologist Tom Covell from "Hooked On Nature" will unearth some of the wonders of our bush at night. Redbank Creek, North Richmond, March 4, 7.20pm to 9.30pm, bookings essential via eventbrite. Free but limited to residents of the Hawesbury LGA.
Markets
Various
Pack your bag or Esky and head out this weekend to pick up some fresh produce at markets around the area. In Richmond you can head to the good food market each weekend, held beside the central Richmond Park from 8am to 1pm. The Windsor Mall Sunday markets, one of the oldest in the Hawkesbury region, is on every week from 9am-3pm. You'll find stalls, clothing, crafts, food and entertainment at the George St location from 9am-3pm. The Bilpin Markets are held every Saturday from 10am to noon at the Bilpin District Hall. You'll find food, fruit and veggies for your weekly shop. A great chance to buy local.
Pick your own
Nearby
Looking for a Valentine's idea? Then perhaps head to the Bilpin Fruit Bowl this weekend to pick an apple or two with, or for, your loved ones. The pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm will be open on February 13 and 14 from 10am to 4pm. Bring your own bags and pack some sensible shoes ... it's muddy out there. Enquiries to Margaret on 0404 061262. You can also pick-your-own fresh goodies at the TNT produce, 153 Kurts Road, Bilpin between 10am and 4pm. Fees apply for both sites.
Chamber festival
Save the date
If you're looking for a weekend of fine classical music, then head to Blackheath for this event. The festival from April 23-25 will feature community hall concerts and recitals in the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens. Pack up a something to sit on and head out to enjoy music in the gardens. Featured artists include the Goldner String Quartet, Arcadia Winds, Harker Ensemble and Nexas Quartet. Tickets are limited for COVID reasons. Details at blackheathchambermusicfestival.org.au.
Film extra
Regional
Fancy a stint in a Katoomba-based TV horror series? Then here's your chance. The production crew are recruiting extras for a number of sites around the region for filming until June. They are looking for background extras "the every day person you see down in Coles". Do you think you have the chops for a bit part? Then make a video on your smart phone and send it in, along with the application found at is requested as part of the application at https://oncuetalent.com.au/.
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