The town held a weekend of events to mark 100 years since the town was officially proclaimed in May 1909.

The celebrations began on Friday evening at a dinner with tennis legend and former Barellan resident Evonne Goolagong-Cawley.

Mrs Goolagong-Cawley was also on hand on Saturday to unveil the World's Largest Tennis Racquet that had been constructed and erected in her honour.

The 13.8 metre racquet is a replica of the wooden racquet she used in the 1970s and now stands for all to see at the Evonne Gooloagong Park.

Mrs Goolagong-Cawley said it was the townspeople of Barellan who inspired her and kept her going during her tennis career.

"I'm so proud that this has been created in my honour," she said.

"I never thought something like this would ever happen and it is wonderful to be home again.

"I have wonderful memories of this town and in years to come when people think of Barellan they will know it is the place with the 'big racquet'."

Following the unveiling of the racquet a parade was held in the town's main street that featured the Leeton Pipe Band, horse and bullock teams, vintage cars and machinery, floats from various organisations within Barellan, fire trucks and horse-drawn carts.

Mrs Goolagong-Cawley and swimming great Dawn Fraser also participated in the parade.

Following the parade Member for Riverina Kay Hull unveiled a plaque at the opening of the new Barellan sportsground complex.

The presentation of a National Red Cross Service medal was also made to Barellan resident Margaret Inglis for her work with the organisation during the last 25 years.

Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli officially opened the centenary celebrations on Saturday and said Barellan should be proud of its achievements.

"Barellan has had its up and downs like all small towns, but I do believe it has an optimistic future," he said.

"It is a privilege to be here and you've got to give it to the great will of the people of Barellan to be celebrating this remarkable achievement today."

The centenary celebrations included history walks, train rides, morning teas and an open day at Barellan Central School.

Mrs Goolagong-Cawley also held a tennis clinic and went yabbying with residents on Sunday.