McLean Oval was transformed into a living storybook on Tuesday as Harden celebrated Book Week with a community gathering that was anything but ordinary.
Over 300 students from Bunyip, Trinity, MPS, MHS and Jugiong schools arrived dressed as their favourite literary characters, wizards, wild things, and wandering adventurers, while more than 150 parents, carers, and community members joined in the fun, proving that the love of stories knows no age limit.
The event was a joyful blend of creativity and connection. Children rotated through activity stations where they crafted critter origami bookmarks, painted rock friends to take on adventures, made their own wands and created a spell. Everyone worked in a collaborative art project which was then displayed at on the oval.
But it wasn’t just the students who lit up the oval. Residents from Harden Grange came along, the Flexicare Smurfs participated with great enthusiasm and some students went up to the Harden Nursing Home to share the fun with residents who couldn’t get to McLean Oval. The intergenerational connection was very special. Trinity Catholic and Murrumburrah Public School student leaders thanked the organising committee, saying ‘You’ve created an event that has brought so much joy, colour, and excitement to our community. From the generous Book Exchange and costumes to the activities and stories, everything you’ve done has reminded us that books are more than just words on a page—they are adventures waiting to be lived.’
Looking ahead the students said We are so grateful for the time, creativity, and energy you’ve poured into making this week such a success. It’s exciting to think that this is only the beginning. We can’t wait to see Book Week grow into a tradition that we’ll all look forward to for many years to come.
The morning wrapped up with all students parading around the oval, then a sausage sizzle and a book for every student. The raffle, donated by HDEF was drawn and colouring competition winners announced.
Middle: Activity Stations.
Right: All students had a sausage sizzle and chose a book to take home.
Photos by Martin Lang
Thanks to generous support from Harden District Education Foundation (HDEF), Supabarn, Ziems Butchery, Graymont, The Kruger Trust, The Ohana Collection, Community Bank Harden, Commonwealth Bank Harden and the team of tireless volunteers, the event was inclusive, memorable, and full of fun. It really was a celebration of community, resilience, and the joy of coming together.
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