Put the traps and cats away, the mice making their way to Wybong Hall are invited.
Taking inspiration from the no longer in operation Bylong Mouse Races, the Wybong Hall committee are looking forward to hosing a fun day out for the community.
“We were given the news that our hall’s main supporter, which is Glencore Mangoola Coal, will be gone in six years time, so we had come up with a fund raising idea to learn to stand on our own two feet,” Tony Rawnsley, committee member, shared.
“Bylong Mouse Races raised 60, 70 thousand dollars and it was a big day for this community, we used to take our kids when they were a bit younger, and so it’s a spin off from that, that’s what we thought we’d try and do to raise money.”
Running mouse races is a rather complex undertaking, with it being more than just picking up a mouse from the back shed and putting it in a shoot, they are specially selected rodents who run down the tracks to hopefully record a win for the lucky punter who has selected them.
“We’ve got 10 sponsors for the 10 races, a committee member has worked very, very hard on selling 90 mice and there’s a book being produced as we speak, a race guide, which is all tongue in cheek stuff,” Tony said.
Funds raised on the day will go towards maintenance on the hall and a portion will also be donated to Muswellbrook PCYC.
Wybong Mouse Races will be on Saturday March 29 from 10am at Wybong Hall, 420 Wybong PO Road, with access via Yarraman Road.
A range of market and food stalls will operate throughout the day, including a barbecue and Devonshire tea service as well as a bar, meaning no BYO is permitted.
The Pretty Amazing Jono and a face painter will help keep the kids amused, and Rock N Mash and Bob Brinkley will perform between races, making it an ideal family day out.
Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids over 5, $25 for a family pass (two adults and three kids) and under five-year-olds are free, limited camping will be available.
