Back in 1974, a group of parents from Birdwood Primary School came together to brainstorm fundraising ideas.

The local farming community was going through a tough time and the school was keen to bring in some funds from the wider region.

The parents decided a day of country hospitality where city folk could get a taste of country life might be a fun event, and a year later the very first Farm Day was held on the Birdwood property of Peter and Jessie Ancell, attracting about 1000 visitors.

Now, half a century later, Farm Day is still going strong, helping to connect the country with the city and providing a glimpse into the vital industries that keep us all fed and clothed.

Farm Day has had several locations over the years, and in 2022 relocated to the grounds of National Motor Museum in the heart of Birdwood.

Having run for so long (Farm Day has only missed one year – 2020 – due to the pandemic), the event now spans generations and continues to evolve.

This year’s event, to be staged on 19 May, will feature live music, pony and camel rides, the chance to get up close with farm animals, sheep shearing and blacksmithing demonstrations, sheep dog mustering, a Royal Flying Doctor Service simulator and much more.

For Birdwood Primary School principal Brodie Taplin, Farm Day had become part of the very fabric of the Hills town.

“Farm Day started as an opportunity for Birdwood Primary School to fundraise but quickly became an integral part of our community,” Ms Taplin said.

“Families travel from afar to come along and immerse themselves in the event, year after year.

“The fact we are celebrating our 50th year this year is testament to not only a great event but the following it has generated for itself.”

Ms Taplin said that while Farm Day had changed over the decades, its core purpose of bringing families together in a rural environment remained.

“There will always be evolution and change over time, this is only natural,” she said.

“Farm Day has been hosted by some great venues over the years, from private paddocks to the Mount Crawford Forest.

“We are so fortunate to have found our home at the National Motor Museum these last few years, with the added bonus of free admission to the Museum included in Farm Day tickets.

“And 2024 will see the addition of whip cracking demonstrations, a free circus workshop for the kids and a nod to Farm Days past, with the return of Cow Pat Bingo.”

Ms Taplin said highlights of this year’s event would include “main stage performances and arena demonstrations and as always the host of farm animals, retailers and exhibitors”.

“Not only does this event provide great resources to the students at Birdwood Primary School but there really is something for everyone,” she said.

“I've not come across another family day out that ticks a box for every member of the family like Farm Day does.

“Farm Day showcases a quality, family day out, with fun, education and friendly Farm animals without costing the earth, what's not to love?”

For more information on Birdwood Farm Day, and to buy tickets, click here.

For a complete list of South Australia’s History Festival events, click here.