It’s on again! Tathra Lions Club’s annual fundraiser, held at the Tathra Country Club. Photos: Supplied.
For the last six years, the Tathra Lions Club has brought home the bacon with its annual pig races fundraiser, to be held this year on Sunday, 29 December at the Tathra Country Club.
“It’s an absolute hoot, just a fantastic family day out,” says Lions Club spokesperson Rex Kermode.
Tathra’s entry into racing folklore began with a farmer from Warrick who breeds and trains piglets to go through an obstacle course towards the prize – a bowl of milk.
“Some of our Lions members met the farmer on a boys’ trip and asked if he wanted to come to Tathra and he’s been coming ever since,” explains Rex.
Whoever gets her snout in the bowl first wins but the bowl is moved for every race, keeping the smart pigs on their toes.
“If you enjoy a day at the races, then this event is for your family,” says Rex. “You’ll be on the edge of your seat as the pigs race the track over haystacks and other obstacles.”
The annual Lions Club fundraiser attracts locals, holidaymakers and racing enthusiasts.
As well as pig races, there will be dog-jumping trials, market stalls, food and wine, jumping castles and children’s activities on the day.
Like many community organisations, Tathra Lions Club’s 40 active members are feeling the effects of fewer young people signing up to volunteer.
“The average age of our members is going up,” Rex concedes. “But we’ve addressed that by partnering with the Tathra Sunshine Club Boardriders, who have a younger membership base. They did all the physical work with the war memorial project.”
Lions have had a big 2019, with $150,000 donated to local organisations and spent on projects like the new war memorial, Tathra exercise park and upgrading the Memorial Gardens after the 2018 Tathra fires.
The club values their community partnerships and says they couldn’t make the impact they have without them.
“We depend on support from local businesses, and major sponsorship from Tathra’s Big 4 Holiday Park, owned by Kerry and Greg McKay, means a lot to us in running an event like this.
“The event is as much about showing visitors and holidaymakers to our town a great time as it is about raising much-needed funds for our community.”
Gates will open at the Tathra Beach Country Club at 11:00 am on 29 December, with the first of seven races at 12:00 pm. Pigs will be auctioned prior to each race. Winners of each race will take home half of the prize pool. Donations are also welcome if you’re feeling philanthropig.
Entry is $10 for adults and kids are free.
If you need Mobility Parking or have an Accessible Parking Permit, just drive up to the entry and the attendants will look after you. The event will also acknowledge Companion Card Passes.
For more information about joining a Lions Club, or volunteering, visit Lions Clubs NSW.
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