IT'S the race that stops a community. For 42 years the Compass Cup has been a staple event as Australia's and possibly the world's, only cow race.
It started in 1977, as an initiative of the local Rural Youth group, with a crowd of about 1000 spectators and eight cows.
Committee chairman Ash Pacitti said the focus was on fun, education and "giving back'' to the community.
"We are again expecting a large crowd to flock to Mount Compass on Saturday - every year we have about 3000 spectators through the gate and this year we are hoping for 4000," he said.
"We direct proceeds from the event back into the community - this year we will be donating a portion of gate takings to the Cosi Cows in Cambodia charity."
Alongside the cow race is a full program of activities including the dung fling, milk loading, a tug-o-war against a tractor, the rubber boot marathon, a milk skull-off and a ute show.
There are heats of the cow race during the day, before the cup at 5.30pm, followed by an after-race concert featuring Enuf Said.
Registration is still open for potential cow jockeys and their teams of three "urgers''.
More details on how to register are available at the website.
Gates open at 11am with the action starting from 12.15pm.
Entry is $7 for adults, with a gold coin donation for those under 14.
Details: www.compasscup.com.au
