Nothing screams Bangalow more than a great atmosphere and the annual Billycart Derby.
With just three weeks to go, carters are painting and polishing and spinning wheels in anticipation of one of the highlights of the Byron Shire calendar.
Billycarts will thunder down the main street of Bangalow on Sunday May 19 and Summerland Credit Union are again on board as the major sponsor of the Derby, which will be a welcome injection of funds for the not for profit groups that benefit from the donations raised on the day.
There are no barriers to entry which showcases good old fashioned fun regardless of age or status. Everyone can take part as an individual or part of a family or a workplaces or school team.
The Primary schools challenge will have $1000 up for grabs spread over a number of categories with prizes going to the school P&C Associations.
There are races for everyone – boys and girls from five years of age through to the open and celebrity sections.
Other billycart categories range from traditional, home grown, professional and novelty where anything goes so let your imagination loose.
There will be awesome activities on the day including the lunch time parade starting at 12.30pm. As well there is the Pit Stop Fair at the Bangalow Primary School to entertain the kids and graze at exotic food stalls.
There will be circus displays and musicians to entertain throughout the day, and don’t forget the Lions Club B-B-Q for a tasty sausage or steak sandwich.
This event relies totally on community support, so if anyone is interested in doing some voluntary work on the day, no matter how small, please register through the Bangalow Billycart Derby web site or leave your details on the volunteer list at either the Bangalow Newsagency or the Bangalow Post Office.
Any sporting or community groups wishing to participate in the parade should contact Richard Millyard on 0428 573 511 or 6687 1540 or [email protected] and reserve your spot.
All carts need to have good brakes, safe steering and weigh less than 75kg.
Registration and scrutineering will be held from 7-8.15am at the Bangalow Hotel and Scrutineering will take place in the Foodworks carpark.
For additional specifications and race rules please download from www.bangalowbillycart.com.au.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
