Rainy weather and a clash with the Australia Day long weekend for their last picnic races resulted in low crowd numbers at the annual event.

Orange and District Picnic Races Committee president Ben O’Halloran said the last event had a disappointing turnout.

“The numbers were down and a lot of people had gone away and it was the last weekend before school went back,” he said.

The January 2013 event had just 1250 people attend, way down on the 2400 from the previous year.

“This year we’re already well on the way for a good year,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“If we can get it to 2500 then we’d be happy.”

Orange picnic races marketing co-ordinator Pamela Harrison said there will be a greater focus on food by local producers.

“We’ve mixed things up and we’ll have some different local producers with catering by Byng Street Store and The Agrestic Grocer,” she said.

“We’ve also got the Millamolong Polo Club setting up a lounge, it’s a really chilled out area under the trees.”

Ms Harrison said this year’s picnic races will be fun and affordable day out.

“We’re just trying to really get all the locals on board to support this great day out,” she said.

Fashions on the field events will also be held with up to $3000 in prizes up for grabs.

While the picnic races have not teemed up with a charity partner this year Mr O’Halloran said he hopes if crowd numbers increase in the future they will again be able to donate to a charity.

Tickets are $20 adults and children under 14  are free.

To book a marquee for your group at this year’s picnic races visit www.orangepicnicraces.com.au.

nadine.morton@fairfaxmedia.com.au