012BS_Ball_NYT_191026_DSC0696
Jack Manning (19) places a slice of white bread over his eyeâs to help himself sleep on a couch on the back of an ute at the Ariah Park, Bachelor and Spinster ball.
Know to locals as simply B&S Balls, the events are held regularly in rural towns, run by the run by local volunteers, the Balls help raise funds for the community. Historically the B&S Balls were centered on country people trying to find a partner, but now the focus has shifted to partying, heavy drinking and meeting up with new and old friends, some of who live many hours away. Ariah Park, NSW, Australia. Saurday 26th October, 2019. Matthew Abbott for The New York Times.