By far the biggest sector of the 600- strong crowd was made up of the grey nomads who have apparently put the Boulia Camel Races on their tour agenda.

Many had arrived in town after being to Lake Eyre to witness the floodwaters from the huge Queensland wet season finally arrived there.

But it was the action on the track provided by the camels which kept the crowd entertained for two days. Steer riding and motorcycle races added to the weekend.

Friday and Saturday night concerts featuring Shiraz and Ali kept the party going until the wee hours.

This year, Boulia Shire Mayor, Rick Britton put out a challenge to the mayors of all surrounding shires for them to become jockeys in the inaugural Boulia Mayors Challenge Camel Race.

The excuses flowed thick and fast and ranged from “prior commitments” from Hughendem Shire Mayor, Brendan McNamara, to recently acquired “broken ribs” from Richmond’s John Wharton who, apparently, was thrown from a fourwheel motorbike when it dropped its head unexpectedly.

His deputy, Rob Ievers, did the shire proud by taking 2nd claiming his success was due to the urgent need to get to the toilet.

Cr Leon Girdler, substitute for the suddenly very busy Diamantina Mayor, Robbie Dean, won the race in a canter.

Boulia’s Rick Britton, came home a diplomatic 3rd and Winton Mayor, Ed Warren, made it in before dark.

Mayors of the outback have been officially put on notice for next year’s race.

Among the other camel riders on the day was Private Dave Ferguson who appeared to be receiving some prerace advice from his trusty mount, Mouth Off, before the Boulia twilight race.

But the weekend was more about the fun and the party than about winning.