Come harvesting in Dargaville

While many city workers head to the beach for summer, most farmers are busy storing crops and hay for the coming winter's fodder.

In days gone by, hay-making, while hard work, had a social side - a time when neighbours got together and helped each other reap and store the vital necessity for all to survive the sparse supplies of winter.

This year the Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club will offer the public the chance to relive some of that bygone era by holding a Harvest Festival at Dargaville's Harding Park on January 12.

Club spokesman Bruce Galloway said it was surprising even in a rural area many people had not seen these basic farming activities at close quarters.

A 1920s haystacker will be in action as one of the demonstrations throughout the day.

The festival is on between 10am until 4pm and entry is $5 with children under-15 free.