Mr Hodge will be among a team of cameleers pulling a laden wool wagon. They will be setting out to break the existing Australian record of 22 camels harnessed in 2024.
The camel teams will be accompanied by a delegation from North America.
In another highlight of the festival, which will run from October 2 to 4, a team of bullockies will drive a large composite team of bullocks pulling a loaded six-tonne wagon. This is in an attempt to set the 21st century Australian record of 40 bullocks set at the festival in 2025.
Goat teams and their handlers will also be judged on their abilities and skills in the prestigious Little Teamsters Trophy.
The festival will also feature the Tim Peel Perpetual Youth Award to encourage young people under the age of 30 to show initiative and leadership qualities in maintaining the nation’s heritage.
Visitors can listen to masterclasses on side-saddle equitation and using pack horses. There will also be a wheelwrighting display, gum leaf whistling competition and beard/moustache competition. Visitors can also compete in the Barellan Hobby Horse Championships, or enter the competition for the best damper baked in a caravan across the festival week.
There will also be a camp oven dinner under the stars on the Saturday night with live entertainment featured on both Friday and Saturday night.
As always, the event will also feature a grand parade through the main street of Barellan.
Tickets to the festival are available online via barellanclydesdales.com.au
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