The 136th Tolmie Sports Day was an outstanding success if the smiles on faces are any indication.
The weather was perfect and locals and visitors thronged the displays, stalls and numerous competitions with the children's' events, axemen's arena, equestrian field, and the dog jump being perennial favourites for young and old.
The North East and Border Axemen's wood chop events were a major drawcard with Bryce Willoughby winning the major NE championship in an impressive display.
The axemen events are in good hands with the junior and novice events well represented.
Trophies and sashes in honour of past local axemen or identities, MR Walsh, John Kirley, Doug Cleeland and Hugh Monroe were presented by our VIPs: 2022 Citizen of the Year Margaretanne Hood, Cindy McLeish MLA, and Tolmie Sports life member, Val Kirley.
Margaretanne formally opened the Sports Day and assisted in the presentation of life memberships to long serving and dedicated volunteers Jenny Moreland, Noel McLoughlin, and Jenny and Chris Gleeson.
Val Kirley was presented a bouquet to recognise her involvement of more than 80 years as a competitor (equestrian) and a volunteer having started attending at a very young age with her parents.
The equestrian events were well attended and the exhibition of fine horsemanship was a delight to see.
Memorial trophies were presented by relatives of past equestrian identities and our thanks to them for their continued support.
The Kevin Stewart Open Flag Race was taken out by Kelly Lovick on her horse Girlie and the Andrew Dowell Memorial Bending Race was won by Grace Seymour on Banjo.
A popular Monster Mystery Raffle was held with loads of prizes very generously donated by many Mansfield businesses with major prizes of a Mansfield Glamping voucher and cash from Clearwater Plumbing and Excavating.
Guessing competitions (weight of the bale, lollies in the jar, height of the pole) and a wood raffle rounded off these activities.
The usual family favourites were held of foot races and novelty events, including the gumboot toss and egg and spoon race as well as bash–the–Rat, face painting, ceramic painting, wood carving, blacksmithing, historical displays, SES and CFA displays and so much more.
It was truly a day for all the family.
The Tolmie Sports Day is over for another year and our thanks must go to the army of volunteers who very happily work so hard leading up to and on the day; to the array of great stall holders, displays and food service vendors, and to the amazing businesses and Mansfield Shire who support us in so many ways and keep this historic country festival alive and thriving.
Thank you everyone.
