Crowds flock to watch 200 sheep strut down the Golden Highway

Festival of the Fleeces grand parade

Donning bright red socks, 200 sheep flocked down the Golden Highway over the King's Birthday weekend as part of Merriwa's Festival of the Fleeces.

Donated by Hampshire Station in Merriwa, the woolly creatures drew a crowd of 7,000 to celebrate and showcase the sheep industry.

Festival chairman Rob Tindall said it was an excellent and sunny morning in the Upper Hunter and he was pleased the sheep were well-behaved.

"This year the sheep behaved the best, ever. They actually even walked up, sometimes they run, but this year they walked nicely, so people had plenty of time to see them and get photos," he said.

Merriwa's Alan Wright leads the flock through the grand parade.

Aberdeen's Derek 'Wicksy' Wicks shears a sheep during a demonstration.

Sam Randal's dog Ruby moves sheep around.

Alan Wright with sheep Rosie.

Bodhi and Chris Beeney from Merriwa.

Sam Randal's dog Ruby rounds up the sheep.

Charlie Constable, 9, helps raise funds for the Westpac Helicopter.

Mark Ray carves a Kookaburra into a log.

People chat in Bettington Street at the festival.

Large crowds watch on from the sidelines at the parade.

It was a woolly sight down the street.

Drew Stone's dog Gus in action in the sheep dog trials.

He said crowds enjoyed street stalls, free rides, a petting zoo, shearing and sheep dog competitions.

The evening finished at the showground with a fireworks display and Mr Tindall said people seemed impressed.

"It was just incredible, people hadn't seen anything like it before and that finished the day off on a top note," he said.

"So many people were itching to get out and around at this year's festival and have a look around."

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Join the discussion in the comment section below.

Find out how to register or become a subscriber here.