Feathers have long been known to fly near the old chicken capital, but today is the day thong-flinging rules the roost and even outsiders take on the locals for a stab at the trophy.

Kooty will pit thong throwers – or flingers – against each other at an Australia Day celebrations party that also includes gumboot tossing and pumpkin bowling.

But while thongs are the big thing at Kooty, up the road at Armidale, the university city is looking to beat the world record in thong throwing.

Back at Kootingal, the local Lions club is the chief thong controller.

Spokesman David Emanuel said the local postmistress was the reigning champion, but the year before an outsider from Tweed Heads took the title.

To ensure a fair competition, the thong is recycled and everyone tosses the same one.

“That makes sure there is no funny business or weighting of the thong,” Mr Emanuel said.