THE 57th annual Autumn Carnival is set to kick off at Swan Hill Bowls Club tomorrow.
About 1000 competitors will arrive for the carnival, which was first held in 1966.
Competitors will take part in a variety of competitions, including men’s, ladies and mixed teams of pairs, triples and fours.
The carnival will be officially opened by Deputy Mayor Stuart King at an 11.30am opening ceremony.
The 10-day event will take place until the afternoon of Monday, May 15.
Carnival secretary Bill King said the event was a popular occasion for Victorian bowlers.
“It’s a very popular event,” King said.
“We get a very big contingent out of Ballarat, as well as people coming from Melbourne, Warrnambool and Horsham. All parts of the state really.
“The contingent from Ballarat have been coming for many years now. The competitors all look forward to coming to Swan Hill for our weather, hospitality and our bowling greens.
“It’s good value for the town. People have got to stay in local caravan parks and motels. They eat out nearly every night they’re here, so eateries make good money out of that.”
He said that planning the carnival was a year-long undertaking.
“It’s not a one-day thing, it’s a 12-month thing, and it’s all volunteer work,” he said.
“I take all the entries and do all the computer work for the carnival. I’ve been busy for the last three weeks just making sure the bookwork is ready.
“The greens have got to be readied, food has to be brought in for the lunches and afternoon teas, the bar staff have to make sure all the drinks are stocked.
“A lot goes on behind the scenes that people don’t recognise.”
