The premier event of the Parkes and districts social calendar is fast approaching with the Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races to be held on Saturday, 8th June.
Coradgery, a place near Parkes, held a picnic meeting very early in 1900 at a property called Riverview, and called it the Bogan Riverview Picnic Races. Farmers from the surrounding district used their horses to carry farm produce in the morning, and took their families to the race meeting on the same day. They would harness the same horse into gigs, for the trotting races and others including barrel and flag races. The meeting changed properties in later years, and was followed by a ball. This annual event continued until the mid-1960s until it was transferred to the Parkes Racecourse.
The Parkes Diggers races were held at the Parkes Racecourse for many years, and was another popular social occasion in the district, as well as the St. Patrick’s Day Races.
In the early 1980s it was agreed to combine resources of the three groups, and to hold one huge picnic race meeting once a year onthe Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Since this momentous decision, the two committees have worked together very amicably with great success as one incorporated body.
The June long weekend has since become a ‘Back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relations, while visitors come from all over the state, and even interstate.
This year the Quota ladies will cater the food, with full bar facilities and a band for entertainment.
Fashions on the field will be judged in the categories of Contemporary, Millinery, Stylish Man and Elegant Lady with some excellent prizes. Entry is $20 and gates open at 11:30am.
By Stafford Orange