Streaky Bay06 Aug 2010
Tour Ambassador, John Marshall, with students dressed up at Streaky Bay Area School
The Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour group woke up bright and early today, Thursday, 6 August, to take its first charter flight to the beautiful surfing and fishing town of Streaky Bay, its first stop on the west coast of South Australia.
Home to the great Kerrin McEvoy, who rode Brew to Melbourne Cup victory in 2000 at just twenty years of age, Streaky Bay welcomed the iconic trophy with open arms and a bright blue sky.
Joined by a Channel Seven crew, the Tour entourage landed safely on the Streaky Bay air strip, where Peter McEvoy, President of the Streaky Bay Racing Club, and Jayne Holland, met the group to escort them throughout the day.
Stopping at Elliott’s Bakery for delicious warm scones and freshly brewed coffee, the hungry crew refuelled in preparation for the big day ahead.
John Marshall was a hit with the locals straight away, with coffee goers keen to get a snap with the Melbourne Cup winning jockey and trophy over breakfast.
After a swift check-in at the Streaky Bay Hotel, the group made their way to Streaky Bay Hospital, where staff and patients dressed in their finest millinery, gathering to see the golden trophy up close and personal. Once everyone had got their chance to touch the coveted Cup, the Tour continued up the road to visit Lincoln Grove Estate Retirement Village.
Residents were ready and waiting to welcome the Melbourne Cup in their communal lounge, listening intently to Dr Lemon’s and John Marshall’s address and faces glowed at the sight of the Cup.
Welcomed by the Mayor of Streaky Bay District Council, Cr Ian Gunn, the Tour party joined councillors and Streaky Bay Racing Club Committee members for lunch. Renowned for its fresh oysters and seafood, guests indulged in a delicious two-course lunch at the Streaky Bay Hotel.
Following lunch, the Cup was welcomed by Port Kenny Primary, an 18-student school, on the foreshore, where the group partook in a Q&A session with Dr Lemon and John Marshall before having their photo with the trophy.
Sticking to the tight schedule, the Tour ventured to the Streaky Bay Area School where students impressed the crew with their efforts in dressing up in race wear, jockey silks and hats for the special occasion. The audience was excited to hear about Streaky Bay’s connection to the 150-year history of the Melbourne Cup, with many claiming their fame as relatives of local icon, Kerrin McEvoy.
The pressure was then placed on the Tour group to award the best-dressed students, with a Bart Cummings look alike taking the spotlight.
The Tour group was then taking on a walking tour of the town to judge the Melbourne Cup themed window displays, with Surf and Style taking the ‘Best Dressed Window’ title for its tribute to Kerrin McEvoy.
After a short break, the Tour group was ready for the evening’s festivities, with the Emirates Melbourne Cup Community Event promising local families a great chance to view the Cup first hand. Drawing more than 150 people, guests enjoyed whip cracking, face painting, a sausage sizzle and a collection of local trophies.
Following the formal proceedings, guests were offered an opportunity to have professional photos with the Cup, competed for auction prizes and a lucky few were delighted to receive great raffle prizes.
The day was a great success thanks to the commitment of the organising committee; the Tour group was wowed by Jayne Holland’s enthusiasm and organisational skills in particular.
After a long an adventurous day, the Tour crew laid to rest, building anticipation to see the great Makybe Diva statue in Port Lincoln tomorrow.
10:45am– 11:15am: Visit Streaky Bay Hospital
11:15am – 12:00pm: Visit Elmhaven Aged Care Facility
12:00pm – 1:30pm: Lunch with Mayor at Streaky Bay Hotel
2:00 – 3:00pm: Visit Streaky Bay Schools
5:00pm – 8:00pm: 2010 Emirates Melbourne Cup Community Fun Event
*Please note that the above details may change closer to or on the day of the event
