Ohakune to party this Saturday

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 646, 23 July 1996, Page 2

Ohakune to party this Saturday

The township of Ohakune has been hit hard o ver the last few weeks with the ski season interrupted due to continued volcanic activity from Mount Ruapehu, but the local businesses are not losing heart. They have pooled energy and resources to host a huge 'Mountain Mardi Gras' street party at the Ohakune Junction this Saturday, 27

July. Many businesses and ski industry members around the country have been asked pledge their support and to date the spot prize pool, to be drawn on the night, totals almost $20,000. The main price is a ski trip for two to Keystone Resort in Colorado, flying Air New Zealand. Ski shops around the

North Island will be supporting the event with posters detailing the night' s events and how to enter the prize draw 'The support from the local community, ski industry and other businesses has been overwhelming. It is great to see such enormous enthusiasm from people whose livelihoods are being threatened by the con-

tinuing eruptive activity on Mount Ruapehu," said Turoa marketing manager, Joanna Savage. Joining in the festivities will be the Christchurch Wizard to help lift everyones spirits. Other live entertainment includes the * 'Human Volcano', the Pacific International College Drum Team, the Turoa Tumblers gymnasts,

Turoa' s Yeti plus carrots will be "sacrificed to the snow gods!" The Pacific International College Drum Team is a Japanese drum troupe which performs a rousing blend of traditional, vigorous drum beating that impresses with its musical style as well as the physical fitness of the performers. Live bands will include

The Exponents playing at the Hot Lava Niteclub, Ronnie Taylor and Mike O'Reilly. Ronnie T aylor, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, brings his seven-piece blues band to show his consumate skill as an entertainer. The 'human volcano' is stuntman Mark T aylor who is to perform a new stunt involving much fire, which we are told has rarely been seen before. Parents of small children are warned that some young children may be frightened by his act, so may need some fore-hand

explanation about it. Any profits from the day go to the Ruapehu Lions Club.