For sisters Veronika and Anita Hunter and Jessica Van Heusden, the carnival was their social farewell to Warrnambool.

The trio, who call themselves “Charlie’s Angels”, are moving to Geelong to study.

“This is our last Warrnambool get-together,” Ms Van Heusden said. “It is our first time here and we are loving it.”

Warrnambool’s Jessica Primmer has had a lifelong connection with the May races.

Looking resplendent in a bright yellow dress, she reminisced yesterday about her early years at the track.

“I used to come when I was young and pick up all the old racing tickets and play with them,” she said.

Ms Primmer looks forward to the races all year.

“It’s the best week socially,” she said.

Wollongong’s Nakole Simmonite made the trip to Warrnambool with her husband, Dave, and son, Kais.

The Simmonites moved to Wollongong 15 years ago but they return to the city each year.

“We predominantly come back for the May races,” Mrs Simmonite said.

“It’s also a good chance to catch up with family too.”

Even the young patrons enjoyed a day out, with cousins Elsie Finnigan, 4, and Seamus Fitzpatrick, 7, dressing up for the occasion.

It was Elsie’s first time at the carnival and Sean’s second.

Warrnambool friends Meg Kenshole and Samy Hilliam caught up and shared a laugh together.

The pair teamed their dresses with on-trend felt hats and Ms Kenshole said she loved looking at the fashions around the course.

“Everyone puts in an effort to look nice,” she said.

Warrnambool couple Rachel Brooks and Tauryn Zimmer spent the day together. Ms Brooks said she enjoyed having a glass of bubbles and catching up with her friends while Mr Zimmer is a fan of jumps racing, especially the Grand Annual. 

Richmond’s Georgie Silverwood’s shining black fascinator stood out yesterday.

The former local woman said she had been coming to the races since she was very young.

“It’s just great country racing,” she said. “It’s great for Warrnambool.”

Kate Johnstone wore a stunning red lace dress with a matching red fascinator. The Warrnambool woman is a regular at the carnival as her parents Bonnie and Wayne are racehorse owners.

“I like the fashions,” she said. “I see a lot of people that I know that come from different places.”

Kellie Hoy and Mel McLean watched the fashions on the field and spotted some vintage trends.

“We’ve come to have a bit of fun this year,” Ms Hoy said. 

Terang’s Jillian Cole wore a unique fascinator that was very appropriate for the races. Made with betting tickets shaped into flowers by her milliner sister, Sharon Wilson, the one-of-a-kind hat also had a black pheasant feather.