THE cool weather failed to deter hundreds of people from marking 100 years since irrigation water was first supplied to the MIA during a re-enactment ceremony on Friday.
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Celebrations to mark the historic occasion were held at the Yanco regulators with dignitaries, past and present residents, and descendants of pioneering families attending.
The event was held to kick-start Leeton centenary celebrations, as well as marking 100 years of irrigation in the MIA.
Among the special guests on the day were NSW Governor Marie Bashir, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and the great-grandson of pioneering irrigation engineer Hugh McKinney.
Member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack also joined in the celebrations.
The re-enactment itself was taken directly from words spoken from the day 100 years ago on July 13, 1912 when the water was officially turned on.
Lyn Conway, the granddaughter of Chris Younger, who took part in the original turning on and the first re-enactment 50 years ago, was on hand to turn the water on for the centenary celebrations.
Speaking on the day, Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom said the day would be one that would be remembered 100 years from now.
"Irrigation water has turned Leeton and the MIA into a virtual oasis," he said.
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"Irrigation water is the lifeline of our community.
"This is a truly great celebration of our history."
The re-enactment was the beginning of celebrations throughout the weekend, with the screening of a commemorative DVD, historical display, a cheese and wine evening at the Roxy Theatre and various tours some of the activities held in Leeton shire.
There was also an official cocktail evening at the Historic Hydro on Friday evening and a dinner hosted by Murrumbidgee Irrigation in Griffith on Saturday.