The Stawell Gift has a place in most residents' memories, from the first time they watched the race to the hundreds of visitors who flock to a town they call home.
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And with every memory, comes a special story - one, such as Elva Raggett and how she came to love the Stawell Gift.
Mrs Raggett wasn't born in Stawell nor has she lived most of her life in the town, moving to the area 36 years ago with her late husband, a former school principal.
But Mrs Raggett, like many residents, loves the town she is a resident of and loves the famous footrace.
So much so Mrs Raggett was the first to purchase a Stawell Athletic Club membership in 2019, something she does every year.
"I am very proud and privileged to be a member of the Stawell Athletic Club," she said.
"If I didn't volunteer through the Stawell Chaplaincy Committee I would still put my hand up every year and offer my services.
"I just enjoy everything about it."
Mrs Raggett said she remembers, many years ago, the first time the Gift was hosted after she moved to Stawell.
"To be honest, on the Monday, I rode around on my bike and saw all the cars and went home and watched it on the telly," she said.
"I did that for a couple of years but then they needed help with duties around the ground."
Mrs Raggett has volunteered with the Stawell Chaplaincy Committee over the Easter weekend at the Stawell Gift Carnival for about 25 years.
"After going to my first Gift, I never wanted to miss another one," she said.
"This involves keeping an eye on patrons - I get one of the best seats of the house.
"I also sit on the gate and let in the runners. No one is allowed in while a race is on - doesn't matter if they have a maroon jacket or not."
Mrs Raggett remembers the first year she volunteered and was stationed at the grandstand.
"On the Monday you weren't allowed to let anyone come up with a chair or anything that would clutter up the seats or walkways.
"On Saturday they were allowed to bring their chairs and other items.
"I used to have to be quite diplomatic in telling people sorry you aren't allowed to do this."
Mrs Raggett said she remembers her husband always saying "they should let the women race".
"He thought they should race - even if it was around Cato Lake," she said.
Famous as Australia's richest footrace, Mrs Raggett said the Stawell Gift is very important to Stawell.
"It brings in a lot of visitors - some, from all over the world," she said.
"We have great facilities all around town and something for everyone. It makes Easter time very special for everyone in Stawell.
"Most places you go to and you say you come from Stawell they say 'Oh, the Stawell Gift'."
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