Food, drink, crafts and souvenirs will be available for purchase ().
If you're looking for a fun event not just for your family and friends, this is it. Not only do you get a good laugh just by watching the races (guaranteed that no two races are the same) you will also be entertained by fun and inteaction between races, with lots of great local stalls.
Camels are not as they seem: the dedicated ships of the desert destined to serve their master. These magnificent beasts can easily spit over three metres, have been known to bite, snarl and generally prefer to do thing at their own pace.
The riders are either heroes or crazy! Either way, all of these bridled passions make for dynamic viewing, with camels easily conquering the riders during the day!
The start of the race, with up to 15 camels, is confusing ... some off in good stride, others still grounded, some going backwards; it's a nightmare for riders and handlers, but spectacular for spectators - a camel in full stride needs the rider to hang on for dear life!
Brief History
And it came for a good old Aussie bet!
The first Camel Race was run in 1970 in the dry Todd River Bed as a bet between two mates, Noel Fullerton and Keith Mooney-Smith, and was an added attraction at the Alice Springs Centenary Year Celebrations. |
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The Camel race proved so popular and hilarious that plans weremade by the Lions Clubs to hold the event on an annual basis. The first permanent venue was Traeger Park, but low fences and a grass track were thought to be too dangerous, so in 1975 the event was moved to Arunga Park Speedway, with some success.
Since 1979 the Camel Cup has been held on its own arena at Blatherskite Park, a section of the Central Australian Show Society grounds, with a commentary and judges' tower being erected, for telephone contact to the 'pits' and 'centre arena' to keep the crowd informed.
What else is on the day
The grounds take on a carnival atmosphere with colourful stalls and rides, belly dancers and a large variety of food and drink stalls with several bars, band, along with Camel Cup souvenir stalls.
One Steel Metaland Rickshaw Races: $$ can be won! Between races, heats and finals of the Rickshaw Races are run in the centre of the arena, with anyone able to enter.
Kids Kamel Kapers: Childrens Hobby Camel Race. find where your kiddies can enter and have fun in th eaction on the day. Every child walks out a winner with a prize.
Miss & Mr Camel Cup Challenge is a fun competition chosen from the girls and guys who participate during the day. Join in this fun Fashions on the Field display to win some great prizes. |
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The feature race is the actual 'Imparja Camel Cup', with the winning camel owner and rider being presented with the perpetual trophy.
One novelty camel race is the 'VB Midstrength Lager'; the 'grooms' race the camels half way round the arena, the camels then drop down and the appropriately dressed 'brides' climb aboard and race to the finish line. The antics are hilarious!
The Camel Cup Carnival is run by the Lions Clubs of Central Australia, and supported by other Alice Springs service clubs.
All proceeds from the day are distributed by the Lions Club to local charities.
Do you live out-of-town?..book a Tour to the Camel Cup
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