The 42^nd annual Ken Howard Carnival is set to kick off on Friday with the Roberts Real Estate triples, armed with a cool $1000 takings.

That will be followed on Saturday by the Geoff King Eastlands fours which culminates in the finals showdown on the Monday.

Kenneth Percival Frederick Howard was Australia’s golden voice of the racetrack.

After a notable career, he retired in Nambucca Heads (opposite the Bowlo) where he became an avid supporter of the Nambucca Dolphins. This year marks the 42^nd year since his death in 1976.

The tournament is one of the most prestigious bowls events on the North Coast and attracts players from the likes of Newcastle, Nowra, Armidale, Inverell, Cambelltown and Lake Cargellico.

“Some of the bowlers have been coming here for 40 years and for some it will be their first tournament,” Tony Stokes said.

“They keep coming back because it’s a friendly carnival in a beautiful town. And a lot bring their families and stay for a week or so.

For those who don’t make it to the finals on Monday, they still have a chance to walk away with a minor win during the Repechage round.

“Not everyone can win the $4000, but if you can win $500 then hey, that pays for the weekend,” Fred Pope said.

It’s been a good while since a team of local boys made their mark on the shield, but the Nambucca Dolphins will be fighting tooth and nail for the glory and bragging rights.

The last mention was in 2017 when local Terry Steele was dropped into the Armidale fours to make up the numbers and came away with the win and his name on the shield in perpetuity.