“And they’re off.”
The anticipation of hearing these three little words is nothing compared to this upcoming event.
To celebrate Crown Oaks Day, Soroptimist International of Shepparton hosts its Oaks Day Luncheon on Thursday, November 7, at the GV Hotel in Shepparton.
Upon arrival, guests will be treated to a glass of champagne, followed by a two-course light lunch, raffle, trading table, auction and a sweep.
Shepparton Soroptimist president Katrina Mooney said the event was always well attended and eagerly awaited by women in the community.
“Nowadays, we don’t have the opportunity to dress up, and you don’t have to dress to the nines,” she said.
“This is a day for us ladies to put on a little bit of lipstick, feel good and enjoy ourselves.”
The other girls present are bigger and stronger, with an extra 1000 pounds on them, and they go by the name of fillies.
As part of the festivities, attendees will watch the three-year-old thoroughbreds file into the starting gate for the main race, all wanting to be the first to tear past the post.
It’s considered the sport of kings, but on Oaks Day, the queens always reign supreme on the track and the catwalk.
The latter is especially true in Shepparton.
At the luncheon, a fashion parade will feature formal and casual wear presented by Shop 221 in Shepparton and Pampens Boutique in Mooroopna.
“We’re celebrating what the girls do in Melbourne and bringing it to the country,” Ms Mooney said.
“We’re very grateful to Shop 221 and Pampens for their ongoing support — they never hesitate to provide a voucher for our raffle or put their hands up and say yes.
“They believe in us, and we believe in shopping locally.”
Due to popular demand, Fashions on the Field is also back in the saddle for the event.
Revellers can vie for the ‘Lady of the Day’ or ‘Best Hat’ titles, celebrating women’s confidence, which reflects the values of Shepparton Soroptimists.
“Our motto is to ‘empower, educate, advocate women’, and that’s what we’re about,” Ms Mooney said.
“In this age, women play a massive role, and we need to stand beside them and help them in any way we can.”
This includes actively supporting homeless women and girls, funding nursing scholarships at La Trobe University, and running the Big Sister program to assist Year 6 girls transitioning to high school.
Due to the amount of work involved, Ms Mooney said the Shepparton Soroptimists were always seeking new members.
Attending their events, such as the upcoming luncheon, is also highly appreciated as a way to show support.
“Come along and have a lovely ladies’ day out, support local women and girls in our community, and know that the Shepparton Soroptimists are extremely grateful for the community’s support,” Ms Mooney said.
The Soroptimist International of Shepparton’s Oaks Day Luncheon is on Thursday, November 7, from noon to 4pm, at GV Hotel, 223 High St, Shepparton.
Tickets cost $60, and the proceeds will go to local charities.
Seating can be assigned for individuals or groups, or you can reserve a table for 10.
To book, contact Shepparton Soroptimist member Elaine Lenon on 0438 253 886.