Gala on Saturday

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 476, 9 March 1993, Page 16

Gala on Saturday

Yes it's on again.- the Waiouru Primary School Gala, or as it has come to be known amongst the locals, The Desert Gala. The school' s major fund raiser will be held on the school grounds between 10am and 4pm this Saturday. As well as the usual food, drink and craft stalls, there will be several sideshows from Wellington, rides, raffles and a fire rescue display. But perhaps the highlights will be the Static Triathlon and the Kry pton Factor competitions. Chairman of the PTA, Grant Julius, said the committee has put a lot of effort into organising the gala. "It's our one and only fund raiser for the year and we've worked hard to

make it a success. All we need now is for the public to turn up and for weather to be better than last year. There will be over 40 stalls vending wares from ceramics to clothes, a monster white elephant, from decorative chocolates to haangi. While most of the stalls are from within the region, there will be plenty of new and novel homecrafts on display. In fact the abundance of homecraft stalls is not unexpected according to one of the organisers, Diana Giddons, who said "well what else is there to do in Waiouru on winter nights?" One chap who won't be worried if it rains is Chris Plowright, catering expert on exchange from the British Army. Chris will be inside managing

the giant food hall which will trade under the name 'Cafe Renee'. "Although it will sell other than French cuisine," said Chris. The name 'Desert Gala' is an adaptation of 'Desert Fair' which used to be run by the Army until five years ago. Grant Julius said the name was adapted by the School as the aim was essentially the same: to bring the community together where charities and service organisations can raise funds in an atmosphere of fun and entertainment. This year an entry charge of $1 per adult (13 years and over) will be charged. "But every adult will then be in to win the lucky number prize of a barbecue table with umbrella," said Grant.

Funds raised at the Desert Gala will be put towards the school library. Principal Tauri Morgan said children can always use new books. "Those who remember the very large Desert Fairs held at Waiouru will be eager to visit Waiouru again this Saturday, "the school can't dictate the weather but they can assure you and your family of a good day out, so come along," say organisers.