126th Tolmie Sports Day
at the Tolmie Sports Ground
Old Tolmie Rd, Tolmie
or via Whitfield Road, Tolmie
Just 25 km from Mansfield (map)

Vicroads Map 48 E8


Conducted by
Tolmie Sports Association Inc.
PO Box 367 Mansfield VIC 3724
Phone: 03 5776 2104
E-mail tolmie.sports@hotmail.com
Website

The first School Picnic Sports were held at Wombat in 1886. The programme of events and entertainment has not varied a great deal over the past 100 years. The popular events include foot racing, wood chopping and horse events. In 1906, the ‘dummy race' and ‘tilting at the ring' were also on the programme. Obstacle races and Tug of War have also been included over the years.

Very little has changed since its early days. The day features woodchopping and equestrian events, plus craft and produce stalls to browse through, stacks of adult and kids pedestrian races and novelty events for young and old – such as egg-throwing, handball competitions, and guessing competitions. The mens “old buffer race” is hotly contested having been first run in 1888 and featuring in most if not all, of the Sports Days since! New events have also been added this year which focus on family teams competing together.

The axeman events are sure to once again thrill the crowd with a full program planned, including the North East Championship and 2 Man Relay which always has the crowd in awe.

For the aspiring chefs both young and old, there are baking competitions with this year's challenges including lamingtons and preserves, as well as biscuit decorating again for kids. As always for the littlies, there is “Kids Corner” with clowns, face-painting, story books, puppet shows and puppet making.

All activities stop however and crowds gather when time comes for the day's feature event: the Tolmie 3-Man Challenge - a team event of woodchopping, running and mountain bikes. It always concludes with an exciting and closely fought race to the line.

Tolmie Sports Ground is set amidst lovely towering eucalypts, providing an ideal setting for a picnic whilst watching or participating in the activities. There is a wide range of food and beverage stalls, including beer and wine and traditional Devonshire teas. New stalls have been added this year to ensure a wide range of taste sensations!

The day is capped off with a bush dance in the Tolmie Hall, and by very popular demand, NE band “Jigid” returns to entertain us with music and dancing for all the family. No skills required as they step through all the dances so everyone can have a go!

This year's dance has a special significance to the Tolmie community as it is held in memory of Bernie Kirley who passed away in November. Bernie was a long time resident and friend of the community and he played his way into the hearts of so many at Tolmie dances for nearly 50 years.

There have been very few Sports days washed out by rain - locals say it has been 70 years or more.
^
Find Accommodation