THE bush tradition of Bachelor and Spinster balls may have died off in many country towns, but in the western Queensland town of Richmond the party just keeps getting better.
This year the Richmond Spouse Hunters committee are eager to show the event is more than just Bundy, bull-bars and bawdy blokes.
“We usually get a good role up of people with numbers averaging between 250 to 400,” Spouse Hunters committee member Toni Anning said.
Established in 1982, the annual event aims to lure un-attached spouse hunters from all over the outback, Townsville, Mt Isa, Roma and beyond, to the Richmond area for a night of frocked up revelry.
An official meet and greet will be held at the Federal Palace Hotel from 6.30pm on Friday night, for those looking to kick the weekend off in true country style.
“The beer garden at the hotel will be done up in the enchanted garden theme,” Ms Anning said.
“It’s a great ice-breaker for those who aren’t from town and want to come along and meet some new people.”
Saturday night will see the Richmond race course come to life with this year’s ‘Enchanted Garden Ball’ showcasing a wonderland of fairy lights and themed décor.
“We have four ladies on our decorating sub committee and they are going all out,” Ms Anning said.
“From vines to pearls to white and purple flowers, it’s going to look spectacular.”
Celebrating life and the flowering season, Ms Anning said the Richmond B&S will offer a bizarre intersection of formal ball and whimsical frolic.
“The mystical atmosphere will have a diverse mix of fun-loving people enthralled in floral inspired gowns,” she said.
“Our beautiful guests go to a lot of trouble with their outfits, and the club insists on strictly formal wear for the ball – no jeans or casual attire.”
Up-and-coming Australian country musician Mick Lindsay will perform at the event getting everyone up off their seats for some toe-tapping, knee-slapping, boot-scooting boogying.
“Each year the money raised at the ball goes towards a community project, local club or charity,” Ms Anning said.
“This year we will be raising funds to put in a kids playground at the race course.”
The licensed bar and buffet dinner will keep spirits high, with a shuttle bus running to and from both Richmond hotels.
Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed lady and gentlemen of the evening, as well as ongoing raffles to be won.
The strictly 18-plus event will be followed by a recovery session on Sunday with a catered breakfast and the bar re-opening from 10am till 2pm.
“Guests are welcomed to camp at the race course, free of charge or check into one of the many types of accommodation available in town,” Ms Anning said.
The Spouse Hunters committee urges all patrons to purchase a pre-sale ticket, $70 Single or $130 double, to avoid added costs.
The ‘Enchanted Garden Ball’ will be held on Saturday, September 20 with gates opening at 6pm.