THE Mount Beauty and District Community Bank Dederang Picnic Races are on again this Saturday, with the annual event to draw horseracing enthusiasts from around the country.
"It's our big annual event and we're able to draw a pretty large crowd," president of Dederang Picnic Race Club, Marcus Goonan, said.
"Usually we attract approximately 2500 attendees from all across Victoria and New South Wales, which continues to grow year on year.
"We're featuring a six-race card this year, with the horses running in the events brought in from all sorts of places...upper NSW and all throughout Victoria.
"The day is not just about the races.
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"We have different fashions on the field categories - ladies, men and children's divisions, as well as tug-of-war events, live music throughout the day, kids activities, face-painting, food trucks and a fully stocked bar.
"You can also BYO if you like."
Mr Goonan said that on average, the Dederang Picnic Races gives back in excess of $30,00 to the community every year, while also welcoming local volunteers who help manage and prepare for the event.
"We're a club who runs event as part of the picnic races circuit held by Country Racing Victoria," he said.
"We usually start preparing for the event in mid-November.
"There are different qualifiers for both horses and jockeys and the picnic side alone supports over 4000 jobs in Victoria."
The races will be held at the Dederang Racecourse at the Recreation Reserve this Saturday, February 22, with gates opening at 11am before the first race at 1pm.
Entry tickets are $20 per person, with children aged under 16 free.
For more information, visit: https://dederang.tickets.countryracing.com.au/
