Bega Pool’s Business House Relay might not be as packed or quirky as it used to be, but will still be a fun family night out says organiser Phil Harris.
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Harris said the annual event, which once hosted 78 teams and ran past midnight, had dwindled over previous years, but will still play host to up to 20 teams tomorrow.
And if you haven’t entered yet, you still can.
“Entries are open right up until the time,” Harris said.
“The first swim is what you are timed on so it’s no drama to show up on the night.
“Everyone has a bit of fun and comes to strut their stuff.”
Harris said over its history the night had attracted some spectacular costumes and spectacles.
“It’s not quite as involved as it used to be – we used to have people come as the East German swimming team.
“We would have these big blokes come all in costume.
“One year four guys did the entire lap under the water.”
Another time, when the finals could run until after midnight, two young swimmers had to be woken up to compete.
“We had to go and get two kids out of bed because they made the final,” Harris said with a laugh.
“Their mums were still there and had to go get them for the final, but they won it.”
The very first Bega event ran by Harris welcomed 16 teams, but wrapped up in just over one hour.
“We had bought all this meet for the barbecue, but it was all over and no one was there to eat it,” Harris said with a laugh.
Now, the yearly swim includes age sprints and a chocolate wheel and people are around to enjoy a feed from the barbecue.
Harris said tomorrow’s swim ensures a fun night out for everyone who attends.
Entry is just $2 or $5 for a family.
Depending on the number of entries, both the age swims and relay include heats, a semi-final and final.
Teams for the relay are made up of four people, but Harris is welcoming single or small group entries.
“If anyone has two or three they can get in touch with us - there are always people who would like a swim, but don’t have a team,” he said.
“We are happy to put them together and make up the numbers.”
The event is normally a major fundraiser for the Bega Amateur Swimming Club, but this year the proceeds will be given to the Britton Dunning Memorial Fund.
“Jacqui’s mother-in-law is a life member of the club so the committee decided to donate the proceeds to that worthy cause,” Harris said.
Events will run at the Bega Pool from 5pm tomorrow.