When it comes to stories of a somewhat barbaric and surreal nature, you can't really beat the story of the Mad Axeman of Carcoar.
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In September of 1893 Herbert (Bertie Glasson), who was a stock and station agent in Carcoar and Blayney but had returned from Sydney only days earlier, broke into the residency of the City Bank building on Belubula Street late at night, with theft on his mind.
With a tomahawk that was described as razor sharp and a lit match to guide his way, Glasson snuck around the home of the bank manager Mr Phillips, willing to use the tomahawk if resistance was met.
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Mrs Phillips, roused by her infant child, noticed the glow from the match and roused her husband who retrieved his pistol.
What happened next was one of the most ghastly and vicious attacks that left not only Mr Phillips dead, but a trail of death and destruction that will be retold in all its gory glory at this year's Carcoar Village Fair.
With actors usually involved in the re-enactments unavailable this year, and a desire to reign in the costs of holding them, the organising committee are taking a different approach to this year's fair.
Creative director Tim Hansen said that this year both the Belubula River and roaming street performances would be the highlights of the fair.
"There is nowhere like Carcoar where you have a beautiful river flowing through the town, a wonderful green bank that leads down to it, and this year we'll have live music down on the bank as well," he said.
"With water being released on the day the river, and a little weir area for a nice dip, it will be the perfect spot for a swim and a picnic."
Without the set performances Belubula Street will be lined with vintage cars and purveyors of fine local food and ales, and a team of central west and Sydney based actors will be ready to entertain the visitors.
The Carcoar Village Fair runs from 8.30am through to 4pm this Sunday. Entry is $5 per adult and kids under 12 are free.