LUNA PARK CARNIVAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 295, 5 March 1928, Page 11

LUNA PARK CARNIVAL

A NIGHT OF GAIETY King Carnival ascended his throne on Saturday evening, his heralds, on gaily coloured motor-lorries, paraded the streets and then moved back to Luna Park, people following in their wake. Out of the streets, through the quaint castle entrance and into fairyland they moved. The spirit of carnival was rife, finding its way into the hearts of each one of the three thousand people who thronged the park for the opening of the carnival which is to continue for two weeks. Met upon entering by a blaze of green, white and red lights, twinkling a welcome, the people were struck by the weird beauty of their surroundings. It was a veritable fairy playground, and the crowds moved about the huge arena that seemed too small to hold the multitudinous sounds which emanated from every qharter. The puff and screech of the merry-go-round, the callst of the showmen, the shrieks of those rushing through space on the scenic railway, and the laughter of happy children mingled to make the people forget there was anything but carnival at Luna Park. Moving through the crowds, uttering weird calls, were several cats. Felixes to the life, their tails swishing in the air, and the gaily cQloured ribbons about their necks toning in with the glossy black of their costumes. Came too, grandfather and grandmother, two children, life-like In Impersonation, and the centre of an admiring crowd. The strains of an orchestra drew impatient feet to the dance floor, where couples jazzed or charlestoned beneath the soft glow of coloured lights, and eager ones looked on awaiting their chance to take the floor. Surrounding a draped motor-lorry was an admiring crowd keenly interested in a group of dainty girls, whose twinkling toes captivated as they flashed through a maze of intricate steps. Then the sound of voices lifted in melody, and the strains of saxophone drew people to another platform where Felix and his family of five were entertaining in song, dance and story. These were a popular combination, and were a constant source of pleasure. Tasting of these delights, the visitors moved on to enjoy the usual novel devices that have a never-ending Interest. There they were in long queues, waiting for a place on the whip and the dodge 'em, packed tight in line, ready to snap up the vacant seats. On the slowly moving underground river, couples in boats, passed through strange and mysterious caves, then out again and away to some other form of amusement. The gaily coloured lights, a feature of the decorations, toned in with the frocks that were worn by those in fancy dress. The medley of sounds gave no time for dull care, and when at last King Carnival bade all good-night, the tired, but happy people filed out of fairyland into reality. But to-night, and each night for two weeks King Carnival will reign supreme and each night too, there will be new and wonderful entertainment and competitions, so that Auckland and her family will find Luna Park a rendezvous of never-ending delight. During the afternoon the judging in one quarter was carried out, and the list of prize-winners is as follows:Decorated Turn-out (doll and pram).— Svlvia Stoekley, 1; Elodie Crook, | Fancy Dressed Couple.—Joan Anderson and Trevor Froggatt, 1; Joyce Cain a, R f^eS a e n ntf“ e of Picture Artist.KatWeln Boyle? 1: Peter Cash (special of Jackie Coogan.—Jean P< Ge l neral Fancy*"Dress'.—l.oma Kay and Joy Symons tied for first, place; Ken Titley was awarded a special prize.