HATS were a must at the Marong Races on Saturday with the hot conditions lasting most of the day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Families and punters alike, rolled out their picnic rugs in any patch of shade they could find spare, and sipped cold drinks and socialised.
Some children braved the conditions to play on the carnival rides while others preferred to sit under a tree and eat an icy pole.
Volunteers cooked barbecues and sold drinks in an effort to raise as much money as possible for Bendigo's Catholic primary schools.
Melissa Zysvett and her two children, Brody, 10, and Saxon, 8, braved the heat to enjoy a day at the races.
Ms Zysvett said she was attracted to the family day atmosphere and said she had been before.
"It's a really nice family day," she said.
"It's a bit warm and normally the kids would be out playing on the rides.
"It's good to help support the local schools."
Rowan and Emma Powell, along with their two children, Archer and Olive, spent the afternoon on the rides.
Mr Powell said he had been to the races "a long time ago".
"It is really hot and I thin the weather had kept some people away," he said.
"Archer started in prep at St Kilian's Primary School, so we thought we would come along to support the school."
Friends of Karen Cocking, helped the bride-to-be celebrate her hens party with a day out at the races.
Beth said the group had a shady marquee on the side of the track, complete with cold drinks and snacks.