Fashion Stakes were high at the Esk Race Meeting 21 Dec 2013

Bus loads converged early along with race day regulars and contingents of Social Groups who had chosen the location and occasion to celebrate their upcoming Yuletide R 'n R. It seemed apparent that everybody who was anybody in Esk, including Santa Claus, was out in the midday sun on Saturday December 21st. In spite of the hot and humid conditions and with large doses of Christmas cheer and a pockets full of pennies to spread around, many of them had made their way to the Esk Racetrack for the final country race meeting for 2013. To kick-start a very special day with a time honoured tradition, Esk's RSL paid tribute to the Armed Forces, Servicemen and women both past and present, this climaxed with a goose-bump rendition of a blending of sounds of The Last Post with the iconic notes of Waltzing Matilda.

Representing The Australian Lighthorse

Also again in 2013, adding another layer to the already festive atmosphere, THE ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR were there at various locations around the concourse singing their selection of Yuletide Carols while the punters toted their takings and pondered the Bookies blackboards between races.

ECC Ensemble Carolling at the Esk Races Luncheon

The talents of the members of the Esk Community Choir did not stop at their singing for they also kept the hungry at bay with a continuous supply of delicious bovine burgers from the BBQ as racegoers recharged or relaxed in the shade of the large leafy trees... entertainment, tucker and succour amid the swelling crowds and from that hot December sun.

Multi-Talented members of the Esk Community Choir cook up a 'mean bbq'

Christmas is a time of celebration for many reasons and to-each-his-own. But whatever to each Christmas is about, it is a time when there is undeniably always the presence of singing. On this occasion it was Kathleen who, with Margaret at the keyboard, led the Choir in song to the appreciative throng at the Esk Race Meeting. It is this gift of their 'service in song' that Alexis and her Choir have been giving for 35 years and with an already growing bumper crop of calendar dates earmarked for 2014, they look forward to celebrating with their growing band of friends and followers another wonderfully musical year.

by: Sue Walker

Charlie Elwell - President of the Esk RSL sub Branch opening the Race Meeting

Mayor Graeme Lehmann with grandson Connor and Kathleen Watts

Nola Niemeyer keeping cool

Robyn Bagster - Never let a good time pass you by.

The Chaps struggling to keep up with the 'fast paced' women of the ECC

Sue and Roland Cox - Keeping the sausages and steaks moving.

Sue and Jan taking a Very Short break between singing and serving.