It’s the race that stops the Kiewa Valley: the Dederang Picnic Race Club’s annual meet.
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And revelers turned out in droves on Saturday afternoon, with almost 2000 people frocking-up for the summer carnival.
Punters battled it out for spots in the shade as the mercury climbed to a sweaty 35 degrees, with little cloud in sight.
For bride-to-be Rhian Dower, the day served as a surprise hen’s party ahead of her wedding in March.
She suspected something was amiss when a mate picked her up early in Albury, and she found her girlfriends had organised a breakfast and bus for an outing.
Her posse had already moved onto liquor shots by about 3pm.
“We’ve got a couple of slabs of water on ice, I’ve been having some water among my drinks and it’s been very good,” she said.
The meet has always been a big draw card on the North East’s calendar, with patrons from Albury-Wodonga hopping on buses to place a bet and lap up the glamour.
In recent years the club placed an emphasis on marquees and fashion, attracting trainers from all over the eastern states.
Club secretary Alanna Kirley said its impact resonated throughout Dederang.
“It’s the major fundraiser for all of our clubs: the racing, footy, golf and cricket clubs, and the reserve that maintains the ground,” she said.
“It’s our chance to shine and show what Dederang has to offer – that’s what it’s done for 150 years.”
As the day rolled along punters donned their running gear to partake in the so-called Madman’s Mile race on the track, exposed under the burning sun.
Tyson Barton won in the men’s category while Sarah Lockwood was the fastest woman.
Some staff had set up a stall on behalf of TAC to remind all designated drivers to make sure they hand’t had too much to drink.
Katey Latta said its purpose was to help racegoers avoid a poor decision.
“We’re spreading the message to try to ensure people have a plan to get home, because we find a lot of people come to the races and plan on having one drink but in the end have more,” she said.
And for the best dressed lady on the day it was all about simplicity.
Unsure about what to expect, Elly Brown opted for a long white dress complete with a flower garland in her hair.
The 23-year-old was thrilled to take out top gong in the fashion competition.
“I’ve never really won anything like this in my life, I’ve never really been a very fashionable person” she said.
But it was enough to get the Falls Creek chef over the line.
“I heard it was going to be hot, so I just thought I should wear something light, something breezy,” she said.
Judge Scott Mitchell was perched upon the stage and said it was all about loud colours this year.
“I really look forward to the couples category, and what they bring to the stage,” he said.
“I look for flamboyancy and a bit of their personalities.”
Engaged couple Heidi Josipovic and Jaimie Rossato won in their hometown by dressing with a dash of pink.
“I’m getting him ready for the wedding,” Heidi said.