MOULAMEIN will again be a hive of activity at the weekend when Moulamein Preschool hosts its annual Yabby Races and Easter Fair.
While the town has experienced tough times in recent years, with flooding and COVID impacting tourism opportunities and the local economy, organisers are hopeful for big turnout.
“This is our main fundraising event for the year,” Moulamein preschool committee president Hannah McCullagh said.
“It not only supports the preschool but also supports our community and our local businesses.”
The family fun-filled day on Saturday, April 8 will feature something for everyone, with market stalls, face painting, showbags, barbecue and egg decorating competition.
The highlight is the much-anticipated yabby races, which always attract a large crowd.
“The yabby races are our star attraction,” Ms McCullagh said.
Steeped in history, the yabby races date back to the 1970s and were the brainchild of former resident Graeme Walker who owned the local butcher shop.
The concept came about when Mr Walker provided some meat to some bored school-aged children so they could go and catch some yabbies from the river and race them.
The boredom buster was a huge hit with the local youngsters.
“From that, Mr Walker saw an opportunity for the races to become something bigger,” Ms McCullagh said, adding his wife was also a preschool teacher.
Five decades on, and the novel races have continued to evolve, while providing a financial boost to the town.
Profits from this year’s event will go towards the purchase of a defibrillator for the preschool, which will be accessible to the wider community.
With the event only days away, Ms McCullagh is urging the wider community to come along and enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family.
“The flood had a detrimental impact on our little community,” Ms McCullagh said.
“Events like this really help to lift spirits up.”
Activities will be held at Howard Park, Morago Street, from 9am.
