Trains,Boats & Engines to bring Morgan alive in November

Come and join the fun at the Morgan Living River Festival

TRAINS, BOATS AND ENGINES TO BRING MORGAN ALIVE IN NOVEMBER Morgan will certainly be alive on the 16th and 17th November with the biennial Morgan Living River two-day festival. Traditionally a celebration of putt putts lining the magnificent riverbank at Morgan, 2019 will also remember the 50th anniversary of the last train to depart Morgan, the Duchess of Gloucester. Morgan was a thriving river and rail port with the first railway engine ‘The Pioneer’, into Morgan in 1878. During the golden days of river trade from 1880 to 1910, Morgan was known as the busiest inland port in Australia. Steamers and barges were often seen lining the banks of Morgan riverfront for more than half a kilometre as the Morgan river and rail link was a significant trading hub, second only to Port Adelaide. During the high season gangs of up to 40 men worked 24-hour rosters to handle the incoming and outgoing goods and freight moving in and out of the now heritage listed Morgan wharf. Six trains a day travelled to and from Adelaide out of Morgan and in November 1969, it was a very sad day when the community reluctantly saw the last train to depart, the Duchess of Gloucester, after the Pioneer first arrived some 91 years before. We see the amazing remnants of this romantic river and rail steam era still standing today in Morgan’s riverfront precinct so let’s join the Morgan community and our river friends to celebrate yet another Murray River milestone on the 16th and 17th November 2019. “This river port’s history has so many stories and it is wonderful to see the Morgan community rally together at this event to showcase the town’s river and rail heritage”, said Mayor Dave Burgess Mid Murray Council. “Walking through the rail and wharf precinct takes you back to a time when the town was bustling with steam trains and paddle wheelers and barges lining the magnificent Morgan riverfront we know today”. Putt putt, wooden boats and engines will be on display, live riverbank entertainment, one hour cruises offered by the PS Marion and PW Oscar W and a PS Marion 3.5 hour lunch cruise on Sunday 17th celebrating the 25th anniversary since her recommissioning. $2.00 entry and children under 12 free, proceeds to the PS Canally restoration project and Morgan community projects. Saturday 16th November 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and Sunday 17th November 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. For further event information contact the Morgan Visitor Information Office on 85402643 or www.morganlivingriver.com.au.

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