A FLIPPANT approach to a burgeoning local tradition has raised some eyebrows in the Kootingal community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Local Lions Club membership coordinator David Emanuel said the streets and parks of Kooty have fallen silent with nary a thong flipped nor a gumboot lobbed.
“I haven’t seen anybody training, not at this point,” Mr Emanuel told The Leader.
“They should be training.”
RELATED ARTICLE:
While some will mark Friday with a day of rest and relaxation, Kooty’s Memory Park will be brimming with competition, as locals and visitors square-off in the fabled gumboot toss, thong fling and pumpkin roll.
It’s riveting and serious stuff, Mr Emanuel said, with a perpetual trophy on offer for the first-placed flinger, which has been won by competitors from Tweed Heads and Victoria, as well as prizes for the triumphant tosser and roller.
The competition is open to all-comers, but you can’t simply lob-up with your favoured throwing footwear, quality control dictates entrants will toss an approved plugger, boot and pumpkin.
Kooty-based councillor Phil Betts said he had started some “very rigorous” training for the event and hopefuls should be practising at least twice a day.
“You need get rid of the redbacks from the boots and practice at least twice a day,” Cr Betts said.
The games have been running for about five years, Mr Emanuel said and the celebration will also feature a speech by former Peel High School captain William Makepeace.
The day will start at Kooty with a breakfast provided by the Lions Club, for a gold coin donation. Thong flipping will also be the order of the day in Bendemeer along with a billy boiling competition.
Manilla will mark the occasion with a golden flipper relay, as well as a formal presentation of awards at the town’s pool.
Nundle will host its formal ceremony at the public school, while Barraba residents will be celebrating at the Anglican Youth Centre.
A civic ceremony will be hosted at Ray Walsh House from 10am and festivities will kick-on from 7pm with a concert in the park and fireworks from 9pm.