It’s a little bit strange, and it’s not quite the Melbourne Cup but it’s one of the best days out you can have in the bush.

This year is the Nindigully Pub’s fifth of racing piglets. Publican and owner Steve Burns is hoping this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

“Last year saw nearly 600 people support us and we hope all return, plus more. In the past five years we’ve raised over $17500 for the RFDS,” Steve said.

“That’s a lot of money from a small town like Nindigully - our permanent population is only nine people. Yes, nine. Last year we raised a record $6500 and this year we hope for over $7500,” Steve said.

Gates open high noon for the six-race program, with the first race getting underway at 2pm ‘gully time’ (which Steve says can vary a little). The last race is at 8pm. There’s great live country music from entertainers Cow Wilson, Dusty Fraser and Anne Maree between each race. The music continues to midnight after the last race with the Mick Lindsay Band.

All piglets are treated with respect and do retire early to a great farm life on Noah’s Farm. All six piglets are auctioned individually before each race and named by the successful bidder for the next race. The winning pig is the first “piggie in the milk bowl”.

It’s the obstacle course that makes for the laughs. Not too hard and not too easy, but just right. The pigs are in training for this event, so they’ll be hitting their peak by November 25.

The victorious pig in each race gets the whole prize pool and shares 50percent with the Royal Flying Doctors.

The owner also gets a “priceless” trophy to display on the mantlepiece at home.

Tickets are $25. Phone for accommodation and camping details on 4625 9637. Showers and toilets are always available at the pub free of charge.