Gates will open at 4pm, and a live band, Three’s a Crowd, is set to perform. There will be numerous activities for kids such as jumping castles, face painting, airbrush tattoos, and a mobile animal farm.
A licensed bar and various food options will be available, including Mailee Murray, wood-fired pizzas, Mailee hot bites, Wakool and District Men’s Shed barbecue, an ice-cream van, coffee and cold drinks.
The Wakool Sheep Races has been an annual event for the town and surrounding areas for more than 15 years.
It started when a few local men started a group called the Golden Hawks to raise money for the Wakool Football Club.
The Golden Hawks travelled to Booligal, where they were inspired by the town’s Sheep Races, and began their version shortly after.
One of the event organisers, Maree Whelan, spoke about the importance of the Sheep Races to the Wakool community.
“Since the football club disbanded, the Wakool Community Progress Association organises the Sheep Races as an event for the local community and surrounding areas to attend and have fun,” she said.
“The money raised from the event goes back into the Wakool community, whether it be towards local projects for the town or assisting other local community groups with events or equipment.”
The Wakool Sheep Races is the largest event the town hosts and will consist of 25 races, semi-finals and the grand final.
Ms Whelan discussed the community’s enthusiasm for the event and its ability to unite the people of Wakool.
“With adults and kids combined, we had around 450 attendees last year. The community gets very excited for it,” she said.
“Enthusiasts that attend like buying a sheep in a race, giving it a name, and standing behind the sheep at the starting gate.
“It is not something you get to see and do every day.”
There will be $2000 in prize money up for grabs, with the winner of the Wakool Cup pocketing $1500.
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