In preparation for this weekend’s Mangrove Mountain and Districts Country Fair, a team of lady chickens have been in training for The Great Chicken Run, one of the many attractions at this year’s Fair.
Staged for the first time last year, a starting field of about six chickens will line up to chase a remote-controlled toy monster truck with a box of chicken food, around a racing circuit several times to see who crosses the winner’s line first.
“Our chicken races are based on the RSPCA-approved ones held daily in Winton in Central Queensland, ” said Country Fair spokesperson, Shane Eastman.
“Our chickens are much loved and very well looked after. “They all have names, and they have been training for a couple of weeks, chasing the remote-controlled truck and eating out of it, but with chickens being chickens, it is bound to be hilarious to watch.
“Last year, Red Rocket and Purple People-Eater proved to be the fastest, but this year, as the field will change every race to allow us to spell and rotate the chickens, who knows who will win. “Not only is this a total crowd pleaser, especially when some chickens decide to turn around and run backwards, but all this fun is also for a good cause.
“All proceeds from the Mangrove Mountain Country Fair go back to all the local community groups in the Mountain Districts areas. “So, the local Soccer Club, the Pony Club, the Scouts, the Guides, local Primary Schools and many others receive some much-needed operating money in the form of grants from the Country Fair, ” Eastman continued.
“In return, most of the stalls are manned by members of these various groups, volunteering their time to help the community. “There really is something quite unique about our Country Fair. “You can feel the positive, supportive atmosphere from the time you walk into the Fair, ” Eastman said.
The free to attend community event will be on from 10am to 4pm at Wisemans Ferry Rd, Mangrove Mountain, on October 19. “It is one of the most enjoyable, family-friendly events on the Central Coast. “Make sure you go along and cheer for your favourite chicken, ” Eastman said.
Source: Media release, Oct 15 Shane Eastman, Mangrove Mountain and Districts Country Fair