GRAB your boater hats and shawls to relive one of Australia’s most bittersweet moments in history.
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Registrations are still open for Sunday’s World War I armistice re-enactment where participants are encouraged to dress in 1918-era clothing.
The event will re-create the historic photograph taken outside the former town hall as residents celebrated the end of the war.
But organisers say finding the clothing is easier than one might think.
Central West Libraries manager Jan Richards said op shops were a good port of call for costumes.
She said women should look for long skirts, blouses, flat boots and a hat.
“The most important thing is hats and umbrellas,” she said.
Mayor Reg Kidd said for men, vests with their suits were a must, with a choice between a straight tie or a bow-tie.
“Everyone had a vest and everyone had a hat on,” he said.
Hat styles at the time varied between boaters with a straight brim, and the Australianised bowler hats, worn more in the style of an akubra.
Mrs Richards said researchers had been fortunate because newspaper records at the time recorded what was said at the armistice ceremony, actually held on November 13 because it took time for the the news to filter through to Orange and to gather residents together.
Cr Kidd will read the mayor’s speech, while leaders from the churches who sent representatives on the day will also deliver their words.
He confessed he was nervous to deliver the speech, but it would also be his greatest honour in his time on the council.
Participants are instructed to arrive from 9.30am for a 10am start.
The re-enactment will be followed by a march down Byng Street to Robertson Park where the Remembrance Day service will be held at 11am.
To register for the event, click here – admission is free.
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