The Burrangong Picnic Races are back for another exhilarating year, set to take place on Saturday, October 11.
This year promises a fresh and exciting twist on the classic event, blending traditional racing thrills with a wide range of family-friendly entertainment.
The goal is to revitalise the event and bring the community together, all while raising crucial funds to improve the Burrangong Picnic Races Club and its facilities.
Emma Dreverman, a new member of the organising team, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “It’s my first year working with the Burrangong Picnic Races, and it’s been exciting to see how the event has evolved,” Emma said. “We’re aiming to raise funds to revitalise the event and make it even more memorable, not just for racing enthusiasts from across New South Wales, but for the entire Young community.”
The organising committee is a small but dedicated group, and Emma’s passion for the races is evident as she talks about the importance of community spirit. She believes that the event’s success hinges on the support of residents and businesses. “Picnic racing is always a big deal for any town, and it’s no different here in Young,” she explained.
“We want to make it a remarkable event for the town and create something people will look forward to for years to come.”
A standout new feature for 2025 is the Golf Ball Drop, a unique and thrilling spectacle that promises to capture the imagination of both locals and visitors.
Sponsored by the Rex Group, this fun addition will take place after the final race of the day.
A helicopter will drop numbered golf balls onto a designated “green” in the middle of the racetrack.
The ticket holder whose ball lands closest to the pin will win a significant cash prize. “It’s something different, something fun for all ages to get involved in,” Emma explained.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in it already, and it’s a great way to raise funds for the Burrangong Picnic Races and the local club itself.”
All proceeds from the golf ball drop will go directly towards improving the racetrack and club facilities, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
The combination of classic racing action and this new, engaging spectacle is expected to draw a larger crowd than ever before. Beyond the races and the Golf Ball Drop, the event will feature all the classic elements attendees have come to love.
This includes the popular Fashions on the Field, a staple of picnic racing culture, along with a wide range of activities designed to keep everyone entertained. “We’re catering to families by bringing back the classic ice cream carts, a jumping castle, and other activities for the kids,” Emma said.
“We want everyone to have a great time, from the younger crowd to the older generation. The event will have something for everyone!” For those looking for a more luxurious experience, private furnished marquees are also available. These can be booked directly through Edge Design, which is handling the marquee packages.
“We’ve got some great packages available this year for people looking to enjoy the day in comfort,” Emma explained. “The marquee packages are great for groups, and they add another level of comfort and fun.”
Ticket sales for the event will go directly towards supporting the racetrack and club facilities, making this year’s event more important than ever. Tickets are available online via the event’s Facebook page, which also offers additional information about the private marquees and VIP packages.
The organising committee is expecting a strong turnout this year, thanks to the added attractions and a renewed focus on making the event inclusive and engaging for the entire community. “We’re hoping to see a really big crowd this year,” Emma shared. “With the fundraiser, the Golf Ball Drop, and the enhanced packages, we’re expecting more people to turn up and enjoy the day.”
Organising an event of this scale is a massive undertaking, and Dreverman acknowledges the hard work of the small committee. “It does take a village to organise an event like this,” she said. The committee, which has a core of about 10 to 20 people, is a “labour of love” for all involved. She encourages locals to get involved and help the event grow.
The committee is actively welcoming new members and encourages anyone interested to get in touch via the Burrangong Picnic Races Facebook page. “The more hands we have on deck, the more we can do for the community, and we’d love to see more people join us,” she said.
With a mix of old favourites and exciting new features, the 2025 Burrangong Picnic Races are shaping up to be an unmissable event, promising a significant boost to the community and a fun day out for everyone. The event is a true testament to the strong community spirit of Young, with residents playing a key role in its success. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out with family and friends, the Burrangong Picnic Races will have something for everyone.
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.