DRESSED to the nines, more than 400 people flocked to the paddocks for the annual Barley Banquet on Saturday.
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This year’s black-tie lunch was hosted on a property north of Rupanyup where the barley crop stood tall and golden.
With tickets selling out in nine minutes this year banquet-goers were eager to get to the paddocks.
The men were looking dapper with their classic white shirt and bow-tie assembles and the ladies as elegant as ever.
Rupanyup Major Events president Tess Healy said bus loads of people streamed in throughout the morning.
She said the event organisers had showed their gratitude to its sponsors with drinks starting an hour early.
Miss Healy said the atmosphere was energetic.
“We have ourselves a winning recipe,” she said.
“People come back year after year because it is unique and a great day out.
“First-timers don’t know what to expect, but they’re excited because the event has such a positive reputation.”
The entertainment this year was a Murtoa band The Stumps, which is made up of Clary Golder and Brett Schmidt.
Miss Healy said The Stumps performed an acoustic style arrangement, which was followed by the Swan Hill band Seven Car Pile Up in the afternoon.
The black-tie event raised money for the Rupanyup community.
During the Barley Banquet, a new scoreboard for the Rupanyup football oval was on display in the crop.
The scoreboard was bought with money raised from previous banquets.
Miss Healy said the committee wanted something physical on display to show people that the money received would contribute to the community projects.
First-timer Rob Staehr said he had heard only positive comments about the Barley Banquet.
He said he had always wanted to come and this year was his chance.
Mr Staehr said enjoyed the the entertainment, drinks and the chance to inspect the crops.
Catherine Moloney said she had attended the Barley Banquet for three years.
She said she was at the event with her friends.
“This is such an unique event and there is nothing quite like it in the region,” she said.
After a friend’s recommendation, Rachel Templer bought a ticket to her first Barley Banquet.
She said the entire event was well-organised.
“It is just a fun day out drinking in a paddock – what more could you want?” she said. With a group of 10 attending this year’s event, Sally French said she did not want to miss out.