Bigger and better winter mardi gras planned

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 682, 15 April 1997, Page 6

Bigger and better winter mardi gras planned

Plans for the Ohakune winter mardi gras are snowballing, with already a number of draw-card participants on side. Following a combined meeting of the Ohakune Events Organisation and the mardi gras committee, chairperson John McCarthy said that from the progress to date it seemed a certainty that Ohakune could anticipate a very successful 1997 mardi gras. Present at the meeting were Steph Rollinson, John McCarthy, Kath Campbell, Jane Davies, Adrienne Murphy, Linda Netten, Trisha Smart, Janet Swan, Paul Gerault and Murray Swan. Mr McCarthy said planning for the event for 2 August is well under way

with some major prizes and exciting and novel events now arranged. There will be an airfare package to the USA generously sponsored by Air New-Zealand, various meat companies have been approached with regard to the provision of food tents, to provide street food of a high quality. The Ruapehu Lions have provided a substantial donation. "We have Maggie Barry confirmed as the first of our celebrity participants and there are some novel events planned as Dart of the evening' s entertainment."

said Mr McCarthy. "One will be a 'dog

barking' competition with a substantial prize available

for the winner." Other entertainment will include live bands with the well-known group 'Kantuta" booked for the night. "We have also approached the Pacific Island drummer band well known for their participation at 'The Warriors' matches and a substantial fireworks display is planned to signal the finish to the prize draw at approximately 8pm. The committee is currently interviewing people for the position of events coordinator and a decision on the successful applicant will be known soon. 'The generous contribution of the

marketing arm of the Ruapehu District Council with regard to that position is appreciated," said Mr McCarthy. He also paid tribute to the hard work being done by the people involved in the "mammoth task" of organising the event and said that judging by the progress made to date that they were looking at a "tremendous festival, the success of which would have long term positive spin offs for Ohakune and the wider region." Members needed Treasurer of the group, Trish Smart, told the Bulletin they were keen to draw

more members from the wider community. She said the aim of the group is to build up a community spirit through organising events, eventually one a month, that can bring the whole community together. They need people who want to get involved and who have good ideas. They are also keen to help other groups organise their events, for example the Sing Aotearoa choral festival is coming back, and the group will help with some of the organisation. Trish can be contacted at her shop, Virtuosity, in Goldfinch St, Ohakune.