Bigger and better winter mardi gres plans snowball

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 686, 13 May 1997, Page 4 (Supplement)

Bigger and better winter mardi gres plans snowball

John McCarthy said that Ohakune could anticipate a very successful 1997 mardi gras. The group intends to establish the Mountain Mardi Gras as the premier North Island ski festival and position Ohakune as the Apres ski capital of the North Island. Sponsors are the Ruapehu District Council, Winstone Pulp International and Air New Zealand. 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 part of the evening's entertainment," said organisers. "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. 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 thatthey were looking at a "tremendous festival, the success of which would have long term positive spin offs for Ohakune and the wider region."