Most people think a silo’s purpose is simply for storing grain, but what else can you do with one? You hold a Silo Kick competition and that’s exactly what will be happening once again during a longtime tradition in Mirrool on Saturday, 11 October.

Having started in 1991, the iconic competition, which usually draws a large crowd, is now in its 33rd year.

Silo Kick competition president Jason Bryce said more than $5000 will be on offer for the winners, with $3000 going to the overall winner of the Silo Kick.

“Kickers have to clear the silo, which is 34 metres high and 12m across – the ball can’t touch it,” he said.

“If there’s more than one person who does that, it goes down to sudden death and they have another kick.

“They can land it on top of the silo in the first rounds, but in the final round they have to clear it.”

Last year’s event turned out to be the Harper show, with previous eight-time winner Rob Harper and his nephews Max and Jack reaching the final.

However, there was only one clear winner – although Rob outclassed his nephews - no one could kick it over the silo in the final, so not for the first time, the silo won in the end.

Marnie Johnson won the ladies’ silo kick.

Bryce, who played for the Ariah Park Mirrool Australian football team, now known as the Northern Jets, said as well as the men’s silo kick competition, prize money will be up for grabs across the children’s and ladies’ events.

“The kids come and have a kick over a mini silo,” he said.

“It’s not just the Silo Kick competition that keeps people enthralled - there will be many other activities to keep the crowd entertained during the day.”

There will be an auction, jumping castle, vintage car display, a gumboot throw and a tug of war.

There will also be live musical entertainment and a bar and barbecue facilities available.

The first kicking event is scheduled to start about 12 noon.

Bryce said he was happy with a “pretty good turnout” of about 350 people last year and is hoping for another large crowd next month.

He said last year’s event raised about $12,000 to $15,000 for charity and was donated to the Ardlethan and West Wyalong Can Assist branches and Temora Hospital.

“Any funds we raise will go to the same places again this year,” Bryce said.

“We’ve donated $180,000 in the past 10 years.”

Meanwhile, 18-year-old local Sophie Maxwell is hosting a 14-kilometre charity walk, “Steps with Sophie”, on Saturday morning before the silo kick activities begin.

She hopes to be back in Mirrool by midday in time for the first event and is hoping to raise $3500 for the Bravehearts foundation and much-needed awareness and protection of sexual assault on children.

The walk will start and finish at Mirrool with a cuppa and cake at “Balgay”, Mark and Jenny Fisher’s farm at the halfway point.

This will be the third time a walk has been hosted in conjunction with the main event, with the previous two both being successful in raising money for two local families in need.