Richmond Fossil Festival

Richmond Fossil Festival

First weekend of May, held biennially

The Australian town of Richmond, located in northwest Queensland, celebrates its archaeological treasures every two years at its Kronosaurus Korner and Richmond Marine Fossil Museum. The festival is also a celebration of the town's outback identity, with a number of traditional community events including a loader pull, a rodeo, and a rock-throwing competition. It has been observed since 2002.
Scheduled events on the opening day, Friday, include a fossil-finding expedition, a school concert, and the rodeo. Saturday focuses on Kronosaurus Korner, the site of a parade, novelty events, and the famous physical contest known as the World Champion Moonrock Throwing Competition, which challenges men to heave a rock weighing over 59 pounds.
On Sunday, festivalgoers attend the Show and Shine Car Show. On Monday, the festival closes with more archaeological activities including "fossicking" (sifting for fossils) and a fossil preparation workshop.

CONTACTS:
Richmond Shire Council
50 Goldring St.
Richmond, Queensland 4822 Australia
www.richmond.qld.gov.au

Celebration days:
2011: May 7; May 8
2012: May 5; May 6
2013: May 4; May 5
2014: May 3; May 4
2015: May 2; May 3