Spring parade attracts rare wildlife species

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 15, 11 September 1984, Page 4

Spring parade attracts rare wildlife species

Despite the rain which arrived just as the parade of 13 floats set out, the Ruapehu Jaycees were well pleased with the community response to their first-ever Spring Parade through the streets of Ohakune on Saturday 25 August. Jaycee spokesman, Mike Punch, who was also one of the convenors for the parade said that he was pleased to see so many people turn out to watch and support the parade — which aimed at raising money for local community projects — in such inclement weather. The day started off fine and clear and Jooked so promising for the afternoon parade that "we thought we had it made," said Mike Punch. But then it started drizzling as the floats were assembling and most of the parade itself was held in light but steady rain. Even so hundreds of people turned out to see the parade and many participated actively in the aquatic antics involving hoses, sprays, buckets and indeed

anything that would hold and project water "We ended up making a small profit," said Mike Punch, "and we are looking to repeat it again next year . . . hopefully the weather will be better though."

One disappointment was the lack of response from children who had been invited to enter their BMX bikes, said Mr Punch. Only two or three seemed to turn out ... "perhaps it was the weather again."