A RELATIVELY new but quickly growing event on the Upper Hunter calendar is set to roll up in Sandy Hollow again this weekend, as the annual Motorfest and Swap Meet takes place.
After launching in 2016, it has developed substantially and raised an incredible amount of money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS), which receives all proceeds from the day.
Its popularity is due to a wide range of factors, but without a doubt the crowd favourite is the lawn mower race which is set to gain record numbers again in 2019.
The president of the Sandy Hollow Charity Support Group, Mick Turner, said the novelty competition's growth has been phenomenal.
"The first year running we had two lawn mowers in the race," he revealed.
"In the next, we had five of them racing.
"Last year, we had 25 and we're expecting around the 40-to-45 mark in 2019."
After approximately 500 people passed through the gates in 2018, he is hoping that number will increase to more than 2000 at the Tourist Hotel in Sandy Hollow on Saturday, September 7.
Their chances of getting that many attendees has been boosted by the committee's ability to lock in attractions for those of all ages, with an emphasis being placed a family-friendly environment in 2019.
A jumping castle and face painting will be available for kids, while show cars and motorbikes, trade stalls, food and drinks and a band is sure to keep everyone satisfied.
"It's a great weekend for families, there's entertainment and it's free for kids, so you've got to be happy with that," Mr Turner said.
Their partnership with the WRHS is as strong as ever, and the organiser took a moment to discuss the group's importance to the region.
"Being out in Sandy Hollow and around that area, it's pretty remote so if a kid gets bitten by a snake or someone has a serious accident then by the time an ambulance or some help arrives it could be pretty drastic," he said.
"So, the Westpac helicopters are really a good thing for the Sandy Hollow area."
Entry is just $2 per person, with kids under 10 free.
It will cost $10 to enter a vehicle in the car show, only $25 to join the lawn mower race and $30 to run a stall.
Gates open at 9am.
