Pirates and punters will be seen trackside at the Wean Amateur Picnic Races as this year’s theme will see race goers emerge from the Buccaneers era.
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Now in its 84th year, the five-card race meet steeped in tradition will see thousands through the gate on Saturday, July 8 at the picturesque bush track on Wean Road.
The race club promises food, fashion, fillies and fun on the high seas as The Golden Age of Piracy (Buccaneers 1650-1730) takes over the track.
Race club president Les Alker said organisers are gearing up for another successful event, with a number of prizes on offer in the fashions on the field stakes.
"We are very excited about the pirate theme, it was a tremendous period of history, part of the discovery of the new-world, which led to the discovery of Australia,” Mr Alker said.
"It is great now that around 30-40 per cent of people participate in the dress up theme, although not compulsory, which makes for a wonderful additional atmosphere on race day.
“There are a number of prizes for various categories, prizes for those in normal fashion, as well as extra prizes for costume.
“There will be a special prize of $150 for the best handmade female costume.”
The scene is set for a family day, with children’s train rides, a jumping castle and children’s foot races to entertain the kids.
Each year, the picnic races sponsor a local charity from its supporting towns – Gunnedah, Boggabri, Narrabri, Manilla and Tamworth.
This year’s beneficiary is Rotary Club of Gunnedah West to assist in their upgrades to the iconic Pensioners Hill.
“We are very proud to be able to support our local communities, we always select an organisation from one of the towns which make up our support base,” Mr Alker said.
“We prefer to ensure that the money that is raised here at Wean is spent directly within the community for which it is raised. This year we are happy to say it is Gunnedah's turn once again."
National award-winning Gunnedah Shire Band will entertain throughout the day. Gates are open at 9.30am with the first race to kick off at 12pm. Organisers remind race goers that no alcohol or glass is to be taken into the track.
“There will be three bars in operation, as well as a canteen facility,” Mr Alker said.
Buses are being organised by Court House Hotel in Gunnedah and Goodwin Kenny Tamworth to take race goers to the track.
