BUMPER crowds flocked to the region over the weekend to celebrate four decades of one of the most popular off-road events in Australia.
Thousands of spectators descended on Teagles’ Quarry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the 40th anniversary of the Pines Enduro.
Millions of dollars worth of vehicles were on show as the eyes of the nation watched to see which had the capacity and endurance to travel along more than 400km of muddy roads and forest tracks.
Pines Enduro organising committee member Emma Lamb said record numbers had turned out to the three-day event.
“The weekend has been really good, Saturday was one of the biggest days we had in recent times,” she said.
“Last year we tried the short course, but were not able to do it because of the weather and this year is the first time we’ve been able to do it.
“That was really successful and a lot of people really enjoyed it.”
New additions to this year’s ruby event included helicopter joy flights and a big screen which broadcasted live action to spectators trackside.
Ms Lamb said the inclusion of a big screen television had drawn wide acclaim from punters.
“We’ve had a lot of positive comments about the big screen,” she said.
“It’s been great and the South East Radio Group produced it really well.
“A lot of people have commented on the fact it follows the buggies that you can’t see on the track – that’s been a great hit.”
Caterers included the Lions Club of Millicent serving sausages and steaks, Beachport Rivoli Bay Lions Club preparing hot doughnuts and the Rotary Club of Millicent was also kept busy serving hot food and drinks.
“It’s been a fairly good weekend and we’ve served a lot of people,” Rotary member Eddy Hann said.
“The funds we’ve raised over the weekend will go into our general funds.”
The Pines Enduro is always a welcome bonanza for Millicent’s hospitality, accommodation and other businesses while the tourism sector generally benefits from the Australia-wide exposure.
Hillview Caravan Park proprietor Allan Withers said the accommodation facility was at capacity during the weekend.
“We were chock-a-block and every blade of grass was taken,” he said.
“It was a big weekend and probably one of our biggest events of the year.
“Being a national event, we see a lot of interstate visitors – we had a few come down from Queensland, but they were mostly participants.
“We have a lot of regulars come back and people have already rebooked for next year.”
