ABOUT a year ago, Burra lad Ryan Oates started to give the picnic races idea some thought and he headed out to the old racecourse site at Thistlebeds Station.
"It looked a bit rundown but I thought the community should get it going again and I'd get some young people involved," he said.
"It ran for more than 20 years but the club folded due to insurance costs and a lack of interest.
"I went to a few as a kid and saw how much fun it was and wanted to bring that to everyone else.
"My father was president of the committee for a few years so he gave me a nudge to get it going again.
"I put up a facebook post and it went viral with people keen to get involved."
Ryan formed a committee and enthusiasm for the idea exploded with help and support coming from the local community and beyond.
"We created some subcommittees and have held working bees, all pulling together to get the work done," he said.
"We extended the shed, built new horse yards, got the track in shape - it had been left alone a long-time and mother nature had done a bit of damage. It has been like working another job but it has been fun."
Committee member Katherine Rowe said the committee started from scratch with its finances and has had to do some fundraising.
"We have had some major sponsors come onboard," she said.
"With no show this year, Burra is missing a community event.
"The races don't target one group either - there will be racing and other equestrian events like barrel racing, music, camping and kids activities."
Any funds raised during the October 24 event will go to the Royal Flying Doctors Service, an organisation Ryan said was crucial in rural areas such as Burra.
"Local clubs and community groups are helping-out on the day with things like catering which will benefit them too," he said.
Secretary Emily McLeod said anywhere from 500 to 1000 people were expected to attend.
"There has been a lot of interest, especially on facebook," she said.
"We know there are bus loads coming from Adelaide but we will have to see who gets there on the day.
"Entries for the races and other equestrian events have been positive, with people coming with their horses for all types of activities."
Thistlebeds Station owner David Hill was more than happy to allow the races to be held on his property after a 12-year hiatus.
"I was disappointed when the last committee folded but insurance killed us and it got too hard - members had also gotten older," he said.
"So it is fantastic it is going again. This is a good spot for a community event - out in the sticks and scrub."
Karina Natt
Journalist at Stock Journal.
Journalist at Stock Journal.
