Winter Carnival capers confirmed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 286, 16 May 1989, Page 1

Winter Carnival capers confirmed

Organisers of this year's winter carnival are going all out to make it the biggest and best celebration of winter entertainments and activities ever to be held in the Ruapehu region.

The Ruapehu South Business Association has assigned itself the massive task of organisation of the event.Whilst the carnival is based in Ohakune, it will also involve input from Raetihi and neighbouring townships. RSBA co-ordinator Alan Crossman, said there has been strong interest expressed in the weekend events. Mr Crossman said the weekend will be an event to bring together the local community and its visitors to promote and celebrate the start of a huge variety of winter activities available in the Ruapehu region during the winter months. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the arrival of KA 945, a vintage steam locomotive that will carry a trainload of visitors from Wellington. As part of the festivities the train will journey further north to Taumarunui, taking in the Raurimu Spiral and scenery unique to the Ruapehu region. Local people and carnival visitors already in the district will be able to join the train for the excursion. Local businesses and tourist operators will join forces to promote the region during the carnival weekend, ensuring the winter

attractions of the region are highlighted. Weekend thrill seekers will have the opportunity to bungy jump from the Hapuawhenua Viaduct with Ohakune-based leisure sports company New Sensations. More sedate -activities include white water rafting, jet boating, four wheel drive treks, horse treks, grass skiing, and scenic flights by helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. Other activities organised during the carnival include live entertainment, tug-o-war, tube riding on the Mangawhero River, local talent Spectrum Dancers, mini golf, pony rides, food stalls, raffles, pavement painting, and a Mad Hatters tea party. Mature carnival patrons will also appreciate the beer festival. And to round off the weekend - a 50's era dance organised by the Waimarino Chills Off committee, to be held at the top of the Ohakune Club on Sunday night. A feature event of the weekend will be a 35 kilometre mountain bike race, sponsored by New Sensations. With $1000 prize money up for grabs, organisers anticipate a large field. The course will start and finish at the main

carnival area, taking in the Hapuawhenua Viaduct, Rangataua township and the Ohakune Mountain

Road to the 9km barrier. During the leadup to the carnival festivities a raffle will be circu-

lated, with prizes that include a Turoa Skifields season pass, Ruapehu Outback AdvenTurnpage2

Carnival caoers

Frompagel tures activities vouchers and liquor from the Ohakune Hotel. Chairlifts at Turoa Skifields will be operating for sightseers on the Sunday and adventure operators will be providing a full service throughout the weekend. Moteliers anticipate large numbers of visitors to the district, with lceal restaurants and night clubs full operational with spe-

cial Winter Carnival activities arranged. Co-ordinator Alan Crossman said the RSBA is seeking greater involvement from the Waimarino's business sector and communities to make the weekend a success. Mr Crossman said negotiations are under way between New Zealand Railways and Kiwi Lager to run the Kiwi Lager Express for

the weekend. Tickets for the steam train were selling steadily, he said. "The Winter Carnival at Queen's Birthday is merely the introduction", he said. "The Ruapehu region offers not only great skiing, but, as visitors will see, a host of other activities and adventures. Winter is a great time of year to come to the Ruapehu region."