BOLD block colours and floral designs were strong style features at the 2019 Scott Group of Companies Mount Gambier Twilight Gold Cup, with the Fashions on the Field hotly contested.
While the trackside winners have been crowned, The Border Watch Newsgroup and Harvey Norman Mount Gambier are further highlighting the top fashions from Allan Scott Glenburnie Racecourse.
The Border Watch and Harvey Norman Reader’s Choice competition – launched today on pages 16 and 17 – allows readers to vote for their favourite looks across the women’s, men’s and couples entrants, with each division winner receiving a $50 Harvey Norman voucher.
One lucky reader will also be drawn at random to receive a $50 voucher.
A further $50 voucher will be up for grabs to the entrant which receives the most interactions on the Border Watch Mount Gambier Facebook page, with all winners to be announced next Tuesday.
The trackside event was judged by Abby VonDuve, Chris Sutherland with Ben Hood the master of ceremonies.
Millicent resident Brianna Scanlon was awarded best dressed in the female category wearing a striped purple garment followed by Leslie MacDonald who place runner-up wearing a yellow and green outfit she designed from op shop clothing.
Rose Slape took home best millinery with a hat she made.
Scott Lonergan was crowned men’s winner in a grey checkered suit and Bastola Amrit placed second.
Power couple Lauren Herbert and Jarrod Ryan were named best dressed couple, while the newly-introduced Local Legend title – which highlights completely local looks – was won by Lauren Harvey.
As major sponsor of the event, County Grey Menswear director Tina Clark said the entrants on the day added a touch of “flair and fun” to this year’s fashion.
It was wonderful to see so many first-time entrants for the ladies fashions and to have the winner and runner-up both be local ladies was a special highlight for us,” Ms Clark said.
“Fashions has certainly come into its own in the past few years and we often have entrants travel from interstate to attend our event.
“The crowd which gathers to view the fashions is a big drawcard to get people out of the marquees and people are always vocal and interested to cheer on the contestants.”
As a fun event, Ms Clark said people should not be discouraged by the “professionals” who work the fashions circuit all year.
“The great success story of this year with Leslie winning runner-up is a great encouragement for anyone thinking about entering next year,” she said.
“Leslie is a local lady that beamed on stage.
“I am sure the joy in her eyes as well as her amazing outfit was the key to her runner-up title, a lot is about how you carry yourself on stage.”
With County Grey set to support the event next year, Ms Clark said she was excited for the 2020 competition.
“The Local Legends category was supported beyond my expectations.
“When I first canvased the idea with some local retailers they all agreed that having something set aside to encourage locals to enter and to purchase locally was a great idea.
“Local businesses believe that people really do want to shop local sometimes they just need a little extra encouragement.”
Mount Gambier Racing Club general manager Brett Watson said while the date was not set for the 2020 Gold Cup, the committee would continue to grow the event and the twilight format.
