What began as a fun reinvention on an old local tradition has turned into a major fundraiser for the restoration of the Emmaville courthouse, which currently houses some of the community’s most valuable historical records.

“A lot of people used to say ‘Emmaville, we have no idea where it is, but they have sheep races’,” Ann said last week.

It was the annual event that helped shape a community already full of character and in 2010, Ann and the group of trustees took over the quirky event to raise funds for courthouse which will be decked out in style this year.

“The new roof has been put on and at the moment it is being painted. The painting will be complete by March 19, two days before the sheep races,” Ann said.

“Once everything is completed with the court house, all the funds will go back into the Emmaville community.”

Since that first year, the crowds have grown, the show gone on and each year the funds to see the courthouse back to its former glory have come flooding in.

“The first year our takings were $9000,” Ann said.

“The next year they were $15,000 and last year I think we raised around $20,000.”

This year is shaping up to be bigger and better and it’s all kicking off from 7.30am on Saturday.

“We have Tony Kelly coming from Tenterfield. He is a renowned poet. They think he is wonderful up there. We had him last year and we have had people ask if he was going to be there again this year,” Ann said.

After the traditional poet’s breakfast, Ray Kneipp will be hosting a sheep dog trial, with market stalls, live entertainment and plenty for every kind of weekender before the 10 race program gets underway.

The races will be held at the back of the Emmaville Courthouse, with the trustees calling on the community and visitors from far and wide to come along to the event turned local institution in Emmaville.