A passing thunderstorm briefly halted proceedings about 2.30pm, and the resulting humidity was oppressive, but it didn’t detract from the fun of the day’s proceedings.

Kev Kiley and his Noah’s Farm Thoroughbred Racing Pigs returned to the Tathra Beach Country Club for the fifth year, and the crowds followed in droves – proving the incredibly popular shift to New Year’s Eve last year is worth continuing.

Along with the races and trackside banter, there were dog jumping competitions, market stalls, food and drink options, jumping castle and entertainment into the night to round out 2018 on a high.

The “Pig Day Out”, organised by the Tathra Lions Club, raises money for community projects. Money raised on the day will be used by the Lions and Tathra Sunshine Club Boardriders for projects that benefit the entire Tathra community.

One example of a result of such fundraising is the recently opened outdoor gym near the seaside town’s surf club.

Money flowed into the kitty through the auctioning of the pigs for each race.

The “owner” of the first pig to run an obstacle course and find a bowl of sweetened milk took home half the pot, with the rest to be invested back into community projects by the two not-for-profit organisations.

By race four, those takings were in the order of about $7200, with three races still to go.

Add to that the gate takings yet to be tallied up – several thousand people at $10 a head – and everyone was on a winner.

Auctioning off the pigs ahead of Race 4:

And they’re off and racing in Race 4 for the day: