The 43rd Ken Howard Carnival is set to kick off this Friday with the Roberts Real Estate triples where local players will duke it out for over $500 in prize money and bragging rights.
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"We have 28 teams ready to compete this Friday, then the following day we have 24 teams from around the state ready to play for our major prize," president of the Nambucca Heads Bowls Club Tony Stokes said.
Saturday will see the start of the 'must see' three-day main event, the Geoff King Eastlands fours, which is played over three days and concludes with the finals showdown on Monday. The winner will receive $10,000, and their name forever inscribed on the prestigious champions trophy.
"Last years champions, and their skipper Jay Porter, will be back to defend the title, they would have to be the favourites, but it won't be an easy field, there are some very strong teams this year," Stokes said.
The annual tournament is one of the most distinguished bowls events on the North Coast and will see players and their families from all over NSW descend on Nambucca Heads.
"Over 100 bowlers are coming from all around the state, Newcastle, Armidale, Inverell, Campbelltown, Lake Cargellico, Sydney, with the competitors and their families we are expecting at least 500 people."
President Tony Stokes has been one of the key organisers for the upcoming carnival; however, he insists that it's a community effort from both local businesses and individuals who volunteer their time.
"A carnival like this doesn't happen without help, our sponsors and members from the community are the lifeblood of this event; it couldn't be done without them," he said.
The tournament is named after Kenneth Percival Frederick Howard who is considered Australia's golden voice of the racetrack. After a distinguished career, he retired in Nambucca Heads where he became an avid supporter of the Nambucca Dolphins. This year marks 43 years since his death.
Be sure to head down to the Nambucca Heads Bowls Club and check out some of the action this Queens Birthday long weekend.
