With $8500 counted so far, funds have almost doubled since last year’s effort. Organiser Reg, who declined to give the Inverell Times his last name, said he thought the event’s success was thanks to the new publicans, Darren and Megan Smith.

“The publican was much more friendly, the whole atmosphere of the place was relaxed and friendly because of the publican and his wife,” he said.

“Everybody had a fantastic time and everybody was very, very appreciative of the cause. They were all free with their money”.

Event-goers enjoyed a motorcycle show and shine and children had a blast on the jumping castle. They begged parents for raffle tickets in the hopes of winning toys. 

“It is family friendly, we make it that way,” Reg said.

“We like to see the children here as well”.

For the first time this year, the Inverell RSM Falcon GT Owners and Ford Enthusiasts Club joined in the fun, bringing vintage cars along for a very popular display. 

“We do get a lot of support from Inverell and Delungra itself,” Reg said.

“The locals, they enjoy a good part”.

Brock Mathers and Spring Mountain Road and Insert Band Name Here performed live music on the Friday and Saturday nights and the Delungra Fishing Club ran a barbecue throughout the weekend. The big money-raiser was Saturday’s auction, which had a wide variety of items on offer, including motorcycle jackets, tools and swords. Men were also encouraged to participate in the ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ silent auction of jewellery, with a sign that suggested they ‘win the missus something nice to make up for leaving her at home’.

“We’re all on again next year,” Reg said. He had been contemplating resigning from the event, but was so encouraged by this year’s success he realised he couldn’t leave it behind. 

“Because it was so successful and everyone was so pleased, we’ll definitely do it again next year”.

“We really appreciate all the support from our sponsors. It’s such a large amount of sponsors it would take two papers to list them all”.