THE countdown is on to the biggest event in Freestone's living memory - the celebration of 150 years of settlement of the district.

A dedicated band of volunteers has been hard at work organising a program of activities to be held on Saturday, May 5.

Based around the historic Freestone Memorial Hall, the day will include the unveiling of a branding post, with the idea being that local farming families bring along their current or former livestock brands and burn them into the post as a permanent piece of artwork to remain at the hall to mark the anniversary.

Other activities planned for May 5 include:

•  Old-style children's picnic with sack races
•  Morning tea
•  Barbecue lunch by Freestone State School P&C
•  Bus tour of Freestone area with guide
•  Official opening and cake cutting by oldest and youngest on the day
•  Model train display of Freestone in early 1900s
•  Licensed bar all day
•  Old-style dinner dance - $20 per adult, 10% discount if pre-paid
•  Mick Bradford heavy horse display

Souvenirs available for sale on the day will include stoneware cups at $15 each with a Freestone 1862 logo, hand-thrown with a tan glaze by local potter Ray Tainton, and wood-turned pens, also $15, with the 1862 logo on the clip, expertly made by local woodcrafter and artisan Nev Yarrow.

The dinner dance on the Saturday evening will feature old-style dance music by Jenelle and Perry Lewis, with a sit-down supper.

Entry, including dinner, is $20 for adults, with children under 12 half price and under fives free.

Tickets can be pre-booked at a 10% discount. To pre-pay for dinner and find out more information call Steve on 4666 1600.