Orange Picnic Races 2014

Just over a week to go before the Orange Picnic Races kick off on Saturday 18th January. The Picnics (as they are known locally) are a big thing out in the country and provide the perfect excuse to dress up and get together with friends for a good old fashioned day of entertainment.

Sitting in the shade enjoying a gorgeous picnic, sparkling wine and good company is almost more fun than the horses. Tickets cost $20 on the gate so it works out as a cheap day out, especially if you get lucky on a race!

Typically ladies go all out in the fashion department, after all, this year there is up to $3000 worth of prizes so it is worth making a bit of effort.

Fashions on the Field is taken very seriously with the top contestants being selected by a panel of judges who scout around throughout the day choosing only the most cutting edge dresses, hats & fascinators worn by the most stylish ladies.

I always feel the gentleman have far less competition and basically just need to put on a suit and hat and perhaps have a shower to be in with a chance. Headwear is all important for a chance of success, so dust off those hats gents and think of all the prizes to be won!

This year the Orange Picnic Races have got some local caterers helping out, so no need to worry about a picnic just turn up and enjoy Byng St Store or The Agrestic Grocer gourmet fare. Millamolong are setting up a country themed lounge for relaxing in between races and I'm sure will be very popular this year.

If you have friends from out of town bring them along to the Picnics to see what a country day out is really all about, plus it means you don't have to organise much - just turn up! There are buses back to Orange after the races so nobody needs to worry about transport - perfect!

Australia Day in Orange

We are looking forward to the Australia Day long weekend more than usual as we are having a Burn's Night Supper on the 25th and celebrating all things Scottish! I am on my way to pick up our specially ordered haggis today and then I just need to ensure it is kept chilled all the way back to Orange.

The menu is going to feature chicken stuffed with haggis and served with a whiskey sauce accompanied by a selection of fresh vegetables and roast potatoes - mmmmmm delicious. I will do a full photo update next week for you all.

Everyone coming has to add a touch of tartan to their outfit and I have put together a Scottish playlist to get everyone dancing, we might even do a ceilidh after a few wines!

On Australia Day itself (Saturday 26th January) there is the option of the Orange Picnic Races during the day if you want to frock up and enjoy a flutter. 

If you are after something more sedate, Patina Wines are hosting a pizza and wine evening in their garden courtyard between 5pm - 8pm. Gourmet wood fired pizzas, great wine, live music and good company - call 02 6362 8336 to book a table.

Hope you all have a fantastic Australia Day whatever you end up doing.

Orange Picnic Races 2012

Mr L’Orange & I got dressed up on Saturday and headed to the Orange Picnic Races for a day of tipping, socialising, eating & drinking. Luckliy the rain forecast never appeared and the turf wasn’t too muddy so all was well.



The race course - centre of the action




The lovely Ellie & I with bubbles



We joined friends in a marquee and added our plate of food to the huge spread already laid out, there were so many delicious things to choose from we were truly spoilt.

The food in our tent was so good, we managed to barter plates of food for free drinks later in the day!



The amazing spread of food in our tent



The actual horse racing and betting seemed to be fairly secondary at this event and far more focus goes into drinking and socialising. Maybe it was just me, but there didn’t seem to be all that many people at the races, compared to other race meets I’ve been to. Perhaps the people were all in their tents socialising?

The ladie's 'fashion on the field'

Unfortunately none of my few bets got lucky and Mr L’Orange didn’t win fashions on the field, although he did look very dashing.

The men's 'fashion on the field'

Stud muffins

The best hat competition

We managed to share lifts home with pregnant people (handy there were so many of them!) and after stopping for a glass of champagne en route we headed to the infamous Canoblas Hotel for some g & t’s and a dance to the band.

Orange Picnic Races

We are feeling like proper locals as this year we have been invited to share a marquee at the Orange Picnic Races by not just one person but four!

I have picked the brains of Orange Picnic Races organiser extraordinaire Lou Fitzhardinge for the full low down on this annual event.

When are the Orange Picnic Races Held?

The last Saturday in January every year - this year Saturday 28th January. It is considered the biggest race day on the Orange calendar with an average of 2500 people attending.

What time do the Orange Picnic Races start and finish?

Gates open at midday and people head home from 5pm.

What happens to the money raised?

All the money raised goes towards a local charity called the Merge Holiday Activity Program helping kids engage with the community.

Can you confirm the cost of the marquee and what this includes?

The idea is for a group of friends to share the cost of a marquee at the Picnic Races. Large or small, all marquees are welcome - costs vary, you can bring all your own food, encouraging each person to bring a plate or get caters in if preferred. Due to licensing restrictions all alcohol must be purchased from one of the four bars on site and a selection of wine, beer & spirits will be available.

What are the transport options for getting to and from the races?

Getting to the races means either driving, or if you're planning on drinking catching a cab. There will be a fleet of buses running between the race track and Robinson Park during the afternoon ($5).

What should people wear?

There are a great selection of prizes on offer for Fashions on the Field and it's a great excuse to frock/suit up and have a fabulous day!

Are fascinators encouraged?

Absolutely!

Are family's welcome?
Yes, it's a great family friendly event. Under 15's are free.

Where does everyone go after the Orange Picnic Races?

Everyone heads to the Hotel Canobolas for live entertainment & post race atmosphere.

How can people book a marquee?

Visit: http://www.orangepicnicraces.com.au/ or call 0458 038 936.

So if you are in the area, free next weekend and want to do your bit for charity, get along to the Orange Picnic Races and donate to a good cause. Mr L’Orange & I will be there with bells on, just need to work out what to wear…

So if you are in the area, free next weekend and want to do your bit for charity, get along to the Orange Picnic Races and donate to a good cause. Mr L’Orange & I will be there with bells on, just need to work out what to wear…