Since 1857, families from Glenlyon and the surrounding district have been making their way to Glenlyon Reserve for the mixed sports on new year's day.

With events ranging from wood chopping to horse racing, gumboot throwing to a nail drive, the Glenlyon Mineral Water Drinking World Championship, the Bullboar Eating World Championship, children's foot races and more, there's something to entertain everyone.

Glenlyon Sports Club spokesman Bob Kennedy said the day was about much more than the sport - it was about bringing the community together and supporting local charities, with a healthy dose of tradition thrown in.

"This whole gambit has been going since 1857 ... and the prime spot that people get in early to reserve is under the oak trees which were planted in 1898," he said.

Up to 1500 people enjoyed ideal weather to celebrate New Year's Day 2020 with some healthy competition at Glenlyon Reserve.

Mr Kennedy said many families arrived early to grab "their" spot under the oak trees, with many groups returning to the same spot for decades laying out picnic rugs and chairs hours before the events began.

"Last year we gave $16,700 to local charities and we hope to better that this year," Mr Kennedy said.

"For the community this is a very, very important event and they swamp in here as volunteers too - we don't have to tell anyone to do anything, they automatically do it!"

There are about 20 volunteers from the Glenlyon Sports Club who organise the day, with Mr Kennedy joking that he's the youngest of them in his 80s.

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