HUNDREDS of locals flocked to the Terang racecourse on Sunday in a show of support for a local family.
A crowd of around 600 people came to the inaugural fundraising family day, raising nearly $25,000 for the Lourey family.
The event, run by the Terang Community Trust, aimed to provide the children of the Lourey family with financial support after losing their mother, Pam, last year.
With the first event such a success, organisers hope to run the event annually or every two years in support of other local families who have suffered tragedy.
The crowd turned out to bask in the warm weather, listen to some talented local musicians and get into the spirit of things with a variety of activities on hand.
The day ran with patrons in from around 11am to 5.30pm. The day was advertised to run until 3pm, and organisers were pleased people enjoyed themselves enough to stay for longer.
Terang Community Trust spokesperson Sandy Noonan said that there was something for everyone to enjoy, with face painting and spray-on tattoos a hit with the kids, and the live music proving popular with everyone.
“We had all local bands, it was fantastic entertainment that really made the atmosphere,” she said.
“We really want to thank them. Everyone was happy just to sit in the sun and listen to them.”
Other highlights on the day were the auction items, which drew $7000 in bids, and St Thomas’ Primary School Devonshire teas stall, which did a roaring trade.
Mrs Noonan said the community had given full support to the event.
“The community has been terrific. They’re people from all different parts of Pam’s life and we all just came together,” she said.
“They say times are tough, but look at the people just walking in and giving what they can.”