As the end of the school draws near, another exciting date is quickly approaching, the WIRRINYA FAMILY PICNIC DAY is on again on Sunday, September 21.

What better way to start the holidays than a day of good old fashioned family fun for all? There are age races for children with a prize or a ribbon for all competitors, mum and dad can even stretch out the muscles too. The ever popular Wirrinya Cup will again be staged with a host of ridiculous and unique challenges for participants. As well as three legged, egg and spoon, gumboot relay and all manner of races in between. 

“Our jam packed program always begins with the races, which start with the littlies racing at 11am, so families pack up and be out here ready to go. Gates open earlier if you need time to set up, there will be some shade tents around the venue but you are always welcome to bring your own,” President Trevor Toole said.

“Our running events are all about having fun. In the adult races, starters are placed according to age in a staggered starting position and often entrants have skipped, waddled or staggered over the line.”

“In fact the more inventive the participants, the more we love it,” Mr Toole added.

Once the races have been run, a host of novelty events will begin, last year’s popular bat the rat will be back, as will ten pin bowling, footy tossing, nerf targets, a new fishing game for younger children and the ever popular and fiercely competitive peg grab.

“So many people enjoy the novelty events, whether they are from back in the day when I was a boy or these newer games. Everyone loves just being a kid, especially if you can do it and have a bit of fun with your kids,” Mr Toole said.

“As a community we just love the idea of spending time with our families and we are just trying to make it easier for everyone to get together and have a good fun family time,” he added.

Lunch and all refreshments are being sold on the day, steak and sausage sandwiches, pies and sausage rolls as well as drinks and treats. Afternoon tea is also a pretty sensational affair with a host of homemade goodies for all to share.

Following the novelty events, there will be a host of participants pitting their skills against each other in the billy boil. With plenty of spectator advice from sidelines, the competitors each year despite wind issues and more than the odd fire or design setback, provide a much enjoyed spectacle for all.

“The Wirrinya Cup is always a favourite with teams of five being challenged to undertake a series of rugged, ridiculous and sometimes a little bit outrageous tests. Always a surprise and always a true challenge, I’m not sure what is more fun, participating or watching the poor souls do it. For this reason we challenge you all to enter a team, it is only $5 each per person and your teams can scoop the pool with a win. The more entrants, the bigger your win,” Mr Toole said.

The day concludes with a tug of war, a lolly drop that will make your jaw drop and the glory of the presentations with fabulous prizes to be won.

“We want all families who attend to have a fantastic family fun filled day. Just add water. Actually don’t even worry about the water there will be plenty of drinks and food available,” Mr Toole added.

“As a community we just love the idea of spending time with our families and we are just trying to make it easier for everyone to get together and have a good fun family time,” he added.

Wirrinya Picnic Day is being held at “the Shed” and Wirrinya sports ground. From Forbes head out the West Wyalong Road, turn left onto the Wirrinya Road after the service station (on your right). Go over the railway line at Garema and turn right. Follow the road and signs to Wirrinya. At Wirrinya turn right before the old school (on right) opposite the white church.