By Paul Dunlop
THERE was cake for everyone as Pakenham icon Wally Wombat celebrated his 15th birthday on Sunday.
A giant birthday party was a centrepiece of the action at the Kids Day Out extravaganza at Pakenham racecourse.
Children sang happy birthday as the popular Gazette mascot cut his enormous cake.
There was even enough cake for racegoers around the track to enjoy a slice.
Scorching hot weather meant crowds were down but did not detract from the fun as clowns, a colouring competition and even fairies helped entertain children at the Pakenham racecourse.
There was plenty of entertainment at the Kids Zone with a merrygoround, sports games, plaster mouldmaking and showbags.
Wally fans took the chance to wish their favourite wombat many happy returns.
He received lots of hugs, cheers and birthday greetings from the children who came from around the district to enjoy the party. Many youngsters took the chance to have their picture taken with the birthday boy.
Wally’s friend Janette Young was overwhelmed by the dedication shown by parents and children who attended the party despite temperatures in the mid40s.
“It was fantastic to see all those brave little troopers who were there, Wally was thrilled,” she said.
“Everybody had a great time and Wally is grateful to the many people who made the effort to be there for his birthday.”
Wally Wombat Club members Nadine Mostert and Andrew Hatch helped Wally cut his cake after winning a Gazette competition to design Wally’s birthday cards.
Pakenham Gazette managing director Paul Thomas and Pakenham Racing Club racing manager Michael Hodge were also on hand for the official part of the festivities.
Children and parents enjoyed plenty of cold drinks, icy poles and lollies, sponsored by Safeway Pakenham.
Safeway’s bakery manager Braddyn Cook was thanked for the cake.
It was the first time Wally has celebrated his birthday party at the Kids Day Out race meeting and organisers said it could become an annual event.
There was plenty of action on course as well. Despite the heat, the meeting was able to go ahead as scheduled and patrons were treated to some exciting racing action.
Cranbournetrained Quilter pipped John Leek’s Puckygoogle to win the Pakenham Gazette Handicap while Caffe Francais took out the Cardinia LIFE Handicap.
The firstever Gavan Bourke Handicap, named in honour of Mr Bourke’s ongoing contribution to Pakenham Racing Club, was won by Cranbourne horse Gold Times.
pictures in sport.
