For many of its early years, the Araluen Sports Day predominantly held equestrian events, including the Araluen Valley Hotel Cup, with games that included the Jack and Jill Cross-Cut Saw Championship, tug-of-war and the Pub Crawl. The dance in the Hall concluded a colourful weekend.

These sports days hold so many memories for many in Araluen and surrounding communities. They still talk about them. One year, in the late ‘70s, Araluen hosted a male beauty contest. With lots of contestants, that year drew one of the biggest crowds ever seen.

This year, the Araluen Sports Day will be at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, October 1. The program includes food, music and produce stalls alongside the NSW Axemen competition, vintage exhibits and whip-cracking.

Games will include a treasure hunt for children, the tug-of war for all to enter, horizontal bungee, a nail drive, chocolate wheel, a cross-cut saw contest and a pie-eating competition. If you have a dog that can jump, the dog-jumping competition has great prizes up for grabs. This year will also see the inaugural Araluen Ute Show ‘n’ Shine. 

Entry is $12 (family) or $5 (single), 9.30am-4pm. Details: email araluensportsday@gmail.com or look us up on Facebook.