May 5, 2022
Burrandowan Picnic Races, one of the most popular events on the South Burnett’s annual social calendar, will be celebrating its centenary on Saturday.
The little bush racetrack located midway between Ironpot and Durong is gearing up for a big weekend with the Burrandowan Picnic Race Club hoping for a record crowd.
The races trace their history back to a meeting of 11 men on November 27, 1921, at Mullers Crossing, near the site of the present track at Chahpingah.
The first race meeting was held on May 13, 1922.
According to the official Burrandowan website, attendees enjoyed lunch for 1/6 (about 15c) and afternoon tea for 9d (about 7c)
Racing continued at the track until World War II loomed and then did not resume until 1953.
The Burrandowan Picnic Race Club has commissioned a history of the club to mark the centenary.
Local historian and author Judith Grimes OAM has been gathering information for the book which will be officially launched by Ted Fisher at the track on Saturday.
Dr E.M (Ted) Fisher OAM was the honorary veterinary surgeon at the Burrandowan Races for 60 years.
Club president Cameron Redman said all the traditional Burrandowan attractions would be happening as well as the five-race card.
There’ll be clay pigeon shooting on Saturday morning and fire pit barbecues and live music from local band RYZA deep into the night.
Cameron said more prizes – and more classes – had been added to the always hotly contested Fashions of the Field competition.
He said the new class “Vintage Lady”, encouraged entrants to dress according to the “Roaring ’20s, Dirty ’30s, Naughty ’40s, Nifty ’50s or Swinging 60s”.
Cameron said a larger area had been set aside for camping and parking, and there would also be more food outlets this year.
However, bring your money with you as the whole site only works with cash due to mobile phone black spots.
