November 2 - Melbourne Cup Day in Australia

The Melbourne Cup is the premier horse racing event in Australia. You might be wondering how one city, Melbourne, can be the focus of such national interest, but trust me when I say that every Australian would know about Melbourne Cup Day. In fact, the country practically comes to a standstill during the running of the 3200 metre thoroughbred horse race. Already as I am writing this the excitement of this particular day and week is building. The Melbourne Cup Race is always held on the first Tuesday in November at 3:00 p.m.  It attracts international attention in horse racing, financial and fashion circles.

On a personal level, I have already been invited to three different Melbourne Cup parties.  I have decided to attend the one that starts with a lunch, has a fashion show, a best hat contest, and of course, a sweepstake opportunity on the race. So, why am I writing this in my White Cane Connections blog?  Like many other women, I have been considering what I might wear to the party. It is a dress-up occasion, and for some reason I feel a little odd in my dress-up clothes and holding my white cane.  I’m not sure just what the difference is to be using my cane while I am dressed in semi-formal wear and using my cane when I am dressed in casual gear and sturdy shoes. Perhaps it is the latter piece of attire that makes the difference. For those of us who have difficulty seeing what is in front of us, decent footwear can make a difference. Running shoes don’t lend themselves to skirts and long dresses for the women or formal suits for the guys. 

I did investigate the possibility of using a coloured cane to further coordinate my outfit. My sister, Jill, told me that coloured canes were available through Vision Australia. Out of curiosity, I called the organization with an inquiry. The mobility agent there told me that indeed coloured canes were available on request, but the request was mostly made by young children who wanted something in a primary colour.  The agent said that sometimes young adults would order a black cane so that they weren’t so visible. However, he hastened to inform me that the international colour of the cane for the blind was definitely white with a contrasting red tip. I decided that the red on the end of my cane would do nicely for the Melbourne Cup celebration. 

Below is a picture of me in my chosen outfit.  I am holding my cane in front of me.  The red tip of my cane is coordinated with my flame colored dress.