ALLISON Callow went from the 152nd Rheola Charity Carnival with one of the biggest smiles among thousands of patrons and competitors.
And the reason was firmly clutched in her hand - the first prize certificate for the open tractor pull.
It was Allison’s first time competing at Rheola in the sport she has grown up around, encouraged by her family and on Monday driving her father Ned’s Chamberlain 6G Industrial tractor.
Allison said her first time down the track had her languishing in the field but a second attempt saw the Chamberlain hit the 97-metre mark.
“I’ve won a couple of events down at Ballan so it was really good to come here and have success.”
Allison claimed it as a home-town win. Her father lives in Dunolly.
Wedderburn’s Barry Finch came close in his section, finishing with a second and a couple of thirds for the day.
Nearby were members of the Wedderburn Historic Engine and Machinery Society, their heritage engines chugging away while owners chatted with the crowd.
At the bazaar stalls, there was a brisk trade and a new feature this year was the mystery wine table. Fine local drops wrapped in brown paper bags quickly snapped up.
Another new feature was kicking the football through hoops. Some tried their luck in boots, sandals or thongs but it was the barefooted enthusiasts who had most luck.
Members of the Rheola Junior  Fire Brigade received their briefing from Mark Gilmore before marching to the official presentation area and displaying new skills in the use of fire extinguishers.
But the events that had the biggest crowd milling in the area were Miss Rheola and other children’s events.
Bob Watson was the most popular, be named Master Junior Rheola, who impromptu dance moves on the truck earlier backed in by Lindsay Soulsby instantly winning over the judges.
Across more than five hours, volunteers marshalled cars and competitors and kept a smile on the faces of thousands of people.
“More than 100 people were part of the team ... an amazing team making it all possible,” said carnival committee president Matt Catto. “They’re smiling, the crowd’s smiling - makes the day great.”