The annual Oakbank Easter Carnival is always an event marked on calendars well in advance, and the near 7,000 strong crowd were treated to amazing weather and a great day with family and friends.
With gates opening early, there were plenty of early risers front and centre setting up in the centre of the track to ensure prime position for the day.
Oakbank committee member, James Jordan, said the 2022 Carnival was a step in the right direction and is looking forward to building on this in 2023.
"We had some goals we set out to achieve this year, and I'm happy with the results," he said.
"It was a focus to have good quality racing and large fields on the Saturday, with the Monday being heavily weighted to community engagement and affordable ticketing.
"The Stateliner Community Cup was a great opportunity for both Stateliner and Oakbank to provide Hills sporting clubs an opportunity to win a share of the $10,000 on offer," Jordan said.
The Community Cup race on Monday was won by Aray of Sunshine, with the Onkaparinga Netball Club winning $5,000 as a result. Onkaparainga Netball Club's Jill Shillabeer was trackside on Monday as the Rob Wilkinson-trained mare secured the cash prize for her club.
Off the track, the Oakbank Fashion At The Races (FATR) saw a big crowd converge on the stage to see the 30+ entrants take the stage in some show-stopping outfits.
The ladies winner wow'd the judges in a orange checkered full length dress with inspiration drawn from a jockey's silk. On the mens side, it was all about giving the crowd a show with personality and dress sense. The winner wore a navy blue jacket, white shirt and red suspenders with a black/red checkered pant. This look was finished with a brown felt hat.
FATR host and stylist, Lauren Dilena said the Adelaide Hills were alive and the atmosphere was incredible at Oakbank for the Easter Saturday Carnival.
"The competition FATR entrants didn’t not disappoint with the gentlemen opting for stand out accessories like; red suspenders, gold lapel pins and wide brim hats, while the ladies frocked up in autumn bold colour-blocking outfits paired with block heels, gloves and intricate & beautiful styled headwear creating that ‘wow factor’ to impress our judges.
"Overall, it was a very impressive turn out - making it extremely difficult for the judges to make their final decisions. For me I really loved seeing everyone shine in their racing attire and have such a fantastic time - it was lovely to be a part of it,” she said.
The Easter Carnival brings an end to the 2021/22 racing season at Oakbank, so be sure to keep up to date with the club website, or the CRSA newsletter for all your SA country racing events.
Check out some of the amazing atmosphere from the Easter Carnival below.
