Carole Levy
This year, the race that stops a nation is more “the nation that stopped the racegoers”, but nothing can stop Melburnians getting into the fun of the Melbourne Cup.
A clever, creative example of this is the Myer Fashions on your Front Lawn competition that takes COVID-19 by the throat and lets everyone get involved virtually.
The competition offers Cup lovers the chance for individuals and families to dress up to the nines and upload pictures to their Instagram account (set to public) with the hashtag #cupweekfashion. Prizes can be won in several categories – see www.cupweek2020.com.au for full details.
But if that sounds like a gallop too far, there are some fun ways to keep the spirit of the big race alive at home, just with the family, on your own front lawn. And, since it’s outside, you can have one other family join in – with masks and social distancing, of course.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Set up the barbie, and tables and chairs, in your driveway or front lawn. Every party needs balloons so tie them to trees and fences, then get the music going – maybe “Horses” by Daryl Braithwaite?
• Get the champagne cooling in a big ice bucket for the grown-ups, a plastic tub of ice for the kids’ soft drinks. Lay out nibbles for before and after the barbecue meal, and you’re off and racing.
• As a salute to fashions on the field, get dressed up in your best finery – or keep it simple and pair stilettos and a gorgeous hat with comfy trackies for a satirical statement. Dads could pair a tie with his tee and pin a carnation on his chest.
• Get the kids to make a Cup Day hat. Cereal boxes, egg cartons, glitter, feathers, pipe cleaners and water paints can be transformed into the funnest hats ever. Or decorate a beanie or sun hat with whatever comes to hand. And don’t forget to make one for the furry family members too!
• It’s not the Melbourne Cup without a sweep, so get the kids to write out each horse’s name to select, then dip in for a lucky draw. Have cheap and cheerful prizes for first, second and third place-getters and it’s giddyup into excitement come 3pm.
And don’t forget to take lots of snaps to memorialise the day the family didn’t let any darn coronavirus spoil the one day that even non-racing fans love.
MELBOURNE CUP QUIZ
1. Who ‘shocked the nation’ by wearing a mini-skirt to the Melbourne Cup in 1965?
2. Which five horses have won the Cup more than once?
3. How many Cups did trainer Bart Cummings win?
4. What year did the first female jockey ride in the Cup?
5. How old was the youngest jockey to ride in the Cup?
6. Which barrier number has never produced a Cup winner?
7. Which horse was the first to win at 100/1 odds?
8. What year did Pharlap win?
9. How many horses usually run in the Cup?
10. What year did Melburnians first get a public holiday for the Cup?
(See answers at end)
Here are some ideas for your Cup weekend dining…
Hoppers Crossing Lolly Warehouse
“Werribee’s best range at lowest prices”
Open 7 days
5/419-425 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing
8360 7111 www.lolly-nation.myshopify.com or www.facebook.com/Hoppers-Crossing-Lolly-Warehouse
Werribee Station St Meats
Variety of meat and BBQ packs available
BBQ Pack includes 2kg BBQ sausages, 2kg BBQ lamb chops, 2kg beef BBQ steaks, 2kg chicken wings, 10 super burgers, $120 pick up
Open all day Melbourne Cup eve
24 Station Place, Werribee
9741 2735 www.werribeestationstreetmeats.com
Williams Landing Shopping Centre
Everything you need for Melbourne Cup weekend in the one place
Restaurants and cafes in the dining precinct are now open for dine in service – bookings recommended. Take away and delivery also available.
www.williamslandingshoppingcentre.com.au
Casaccio Egg Farm
Add some eggs to the menu!
Delivered to your doorstep
170-198 Bulban Road, Werribee
9741 0185 www.casaccioeggfarms.com.au
QUIZ ANSWERS
1. Jean Shrimpton. 2. Archer, Peter Pan, Rain Lover, Think Big and Makybe Diva. 3. 12 4. 1987, Maree Lyndon. 5. 11 years old, Peter St Albans 1876. 6. 18. 7. The Pearl, 1871. 8. 1930. 9. 24. 10. 1866
