Sugar Bowl to lure big crowds

Home Hill is set to host its 42nd annual Sugar Bowl, where more than 40 teams of tennis players will flock to the Burdekin for three days of tournament action.

More than 300 visitors are expected across the long weekend, with first matches starting at the Home Hill and Ayr tennis courts at 8am on Saturday.

Home Hill Tennis Association club president Joel Little said some teams would start celebrations early, with plenty of fun planned for the event.

“Some teams even play Sugar Bowl golf on the Friday before the event,” Little said.

“This year, we have two teams competing in a preweekend 10-pin bowling comp.

“With over 300 visitors expected over the long weekend, the club has been busy with the catering and getting their facilities in tip-top class condition with a coat of paint here and there.

“There will be the usual delicious array of food plus a coffee stall at the entrance of Home Hill Tennis each day.”

Townsville singer Tammy Moxon will perform from 5pm on Sunday.

Tournament convener Bradley Mcallister said a lot of participants treat the Sugar Bowl as their annual catch-up.

“The one thing we always say is it’s our Sugar Bowl family, because there are some players who come every year and this is the only event they do,” Mcallister said.

“It’s very social and there’s a lot of catching up, most of our teams are from Townsville, Ingham, Charters and Burdekin but we have teams from Mackay, Brisbane and also Mareeba – so it’s that big catchup on the calendar.”

Life members, event sponsors, past and present members are invited to come along throughout the weekend to enjoy the hospitality and attend the presentations, which will be about 1pm on Monday.