The competition was exceptionally close, Illabo pipping hosts Wallendbeen Public School by a single point to claim the historic shield for the year.

Wallendbeen were not left out though, winning the Heather Nowland memorial shield, which is awarded based on the schools’ overall points divided by their number of enrolled students.

Perfect weather greeted the students, teachers and parents who travelled from Beckom, Eurongilly, Illabo, Stockinbingal and Wombat.

Julie Ryan of Illabo Public School praised the community effort, saying the carnival was well run and everybody enjoyed themselves.

“It was a wonderful day and we were lucky the weather was so lovely,” Julie said.

The small schools carnival is a great day on the calendar for Wallendbeen Public School, bringing the community together to continue tradition.

It has been held in the village almost every year since 1940- not 1949 as was mistakenly printed on Monday October 20.

The Baldry Shield was instituted by Aldred and Annie Baldry in honour of their son Kenneth, who was the first WWII casualty from this district.

Their descendants continue to compete in and help organise the carnival to this day.

Each year the Baldry Shield is awarded to the champion school for the day based on points accumulated throughout the track and field events.

Aside from being awarded first overall school, champion students from Illabo Public School included junior girl Anisa Rees, 11 years girl Miriam Hopkins and senior boy Hayden Ingham.

There is also a marching competition, which this year was judged by Cootamundra Shire Council mayor Jim Slattery and won by Wallendbeen Public School.