mmg.com.au

An outdoor movie screening of a true Vietnam War story, the return of popular tours of Light Horse Memorial Park and musical entertainment from some of the stars who entertained the troops in Vietnam are just some of the highlights of this year’s Military Heritage Weekend.

While it bears some resemblance to the inaugural event last year, there are two important changes to proceedings at the free event.

The first is that the event will be held over two days, not three, with proceedings kicking off with the showcase event, the opening of stage two of the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk on High St at 1pm tomorrow.

Much of the street will be closed to traffic for the hour-long event, which is expected to attract thousands of people — figures from 5000 to double that have been bandied about.

From there comes the second big change. Most of the remaining activities will take place in Kings Park.

It starts at 3.30pm with a parade from High St to Kings Park, where a Howitzer gun will be fired every hour and there’s plenty of entertainment for the children.

An hour later the entertainment kicks off with a concert from the Australian Army Band, Seymour Players Acapella, Seymour Performers Workshop and Mitchell Shire Concert band before at 6.30pm the Vietnam-era musicians taking part.

These include Doug Owen, Normie Rowe, Dennis Tucker and Georgina Wood, who all performed for the troops in Vietnam.

As a sidelight, you can also watch the Seymour Lions playing their first practice game of the year on the main oval, against Wangaratta Rovers.

At 9pm the fireworks return before what should be a highlight of the night, the gold-coin donation screening at 9.30pm of the movie The Sapphires, a true story of four female Indigenous musicians who performed in Vietnam.

The screening at Kings Park should offer a better spectator experience than last year’s event at Goulburn Park. Those who attend will need to bring a chair and rug.

The event continues on Sunday, with guided tours of the Australian Light Horse Memorial Park at 10.30am and 2pm. Bookings are required as places are limited — for details see the story by tour guide Tim Whitford above.

Seymour and District Car Club will also be holding its inaugural show at Kings Park on the day, with gates opening from 8am. Admission is gold coin donation, with children under 15 free, and all proceeds go to the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk. There will also be a concert by Midlife Crisis and Hair of the Dog.

While the weekend has a military focus, there are plenty of other activities planned.

There’s the Labour Day market at Goulburn Park on Monday from 9am to 3pm — the popular Great Duck Race is on at 1pm — which has a $2 entry. If you want a stall email seymourgoulburnlions@live.com.au for an application form.

But wait, there’s more. Seymour and District Historical Society will hold a military history display at Pioneer Library, Tallarook St, from 11am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

And from today until March 31 there is the 2013 Military Heritage Exhibition at the Old Post Office Gallery, 50 Emily St, Seymour.

Entry is free and the exhibition features photos, paintings and prints. On Saturday and Sunday, in keeping with the themes of the weekend, the gallery is offering a complimentary drink and a free commemorative postcard when you visit the exhibition.