Each year local primary schools are invited to design and paint a life size fibreglass horse sculpture with a design that represents the Brisbane Racing Carnival. IT was clear form an array of ideas - just how the children and teachers interperet different elements of the famous Brisbane Racing Carnival.

Brisbane Racing Carnival Ambassador Sofie Formica, jockey Shane Scriven and Minister for Racing Tim Mulherin, looked over the 23 horses - and the competition was fierce.

The $4000 Grand Prize was awarded to.... with each school entry receiving $500 just for participating - proudly supported by our great sponsors AAMI.

There'll be guaranteed non-stop thrills as Eagle Farm Racecourse is transformed into a giant playground of fun with the Cha Cha, a whipping fun ride with colour and lights that's sure to entertain and delight. There will also be an array of other carnival rides including the Skate Ride or kids can brave the Jurassic Park Adventure where they can explore the boneyard and climb the volcano before sliding down to meet the dinosaurs. There'll be pony rides and kids craft classes too.

The event, sponsored by Urban Brisbane, is named Brisbane's Biggest Kids Dress Up Party giving kids the opportunity to dress up as their favourite superhero, fairy or anything their imagination can dream up with prizes for the Best Dress Up costume up for grabs.

Throughout the day kids will also be able to meet and have their photo taken with special guests Santa Claus and movie star Yogi Bear. Yogi's new movie is coming to cinemas in 3-D on January 13, 2011.

Darren Condon, spokesperson for the BRC said the event is great value for money for families particularly after the recent interest rate rise.

"With ever increasing interest rates, parents are looking for more value options to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays. The unbeatable thing about this event is kids entry is free and all the activities are free also so parents don't have to spend a lot of money on this family day out," said Mr Condon.

Jessica Marais

Mark Wilson Tangoed with many an eager partner.

Mr and Mrs Potato Head (Toy Story 2) bobbed around, greeting kids of all ages.

The sun shone and shrieks of laughter bubbled out from the rides.

The second day of the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival was Family Day, with both a sea of families and regular punters enjoying all the day had to offer, contributing to the 6% increase in attendance from last year.

The Inaugural Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Pumpkin Patch Fashions on the Field (Family Category) drew an enthusiastic, diverse crowd. The eventual winners were from Sydney and first heard of the competition as they arrived at the track.

This immaculately presented group stretched across three generations and included Suellen Fuller, who was Miss Australia in 1998. 

The real highlight for the Fuller Family was their second victory for the day, as Kerrin McEvoy rode Metal Bender to win the Kirks Doomben Cup.

Coming up this Saturday is Carlton Mid Doomben 10,000 Day.

While there are plenty of thrills to be had off the track, such as the Hardy Brothers Jewellers Fashions on the Field (Couples Category) and The Cage’s side splitting Mascot Race, make no mistake, the Doomben 10,000 is for racing enthusiasts.

More photos are coming to the Gallery soon