Funday a success despite cart loss

Despite trying circumstances with the cancellation of the beloved Billycart races, children and families flocked to Australia’s hottest town for a day of activities and remote control car racing.

The Marble Bar Funday and Jerky Competition was held in place of the Billy Cart Grand Prix and included live entertainment, activities provided by Eddie on the Road, games, and food stalls.

Although the event didn’t draw the same crowd as in previous years, children were eager to jump straight into the fun and put their remote control cars to use.

Games started with the gumboot throwing competition for children and adults.

Michael Gravenall and Martha Linstad received prizes in the adult round and Renae Ball, 17, and Daniel Toby, 9, were the winners in the youth round.

Up next was the almighty tug of war, with major sponsor Atlas Iron claiming victory.

There were some strong contenders at both ends of the rope, causing it to snap in half within the first few minutes.

Results were tight in the popular Jerky Competition.

Alic Dorrington and Luke Thompson drew with 48 points for the judges’ pick and Alic Dorrington won the people’s choice award.

Doors at the Iron Clad hotel were open all afternoon for those revellers who wanted to enjoy an ice-cold beer and listen to Broome-based band Rocking Chair, who had everyone dancing from the afternoon through to the evening.

The afternoon of activities finished with a presentation, whereby Marble Bar Community Resource Centre co-ordinator Kim Mackay thanked all those who attended, including sponsors who still supported the event despite having to pull the pin on the billycart racing.

Brendan Bow of Atlas Iron commended the resource centre for putting on a great event and said the company was looking forward to having a stronger presence in the region.

The annual event also marks the beginning of Start of Muster celebrations in the region.