Official unveiling accompanied by fun and games

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 18, 2 October 1984, Page 24

Official unveiling accompanied by fun and games

Despite cold conditions and intermittent showers throughout the afternoon, hundreds of people — locals and visitors — turned out for a fun-filled prelude to the official unveiling of Ohakune's Giant Carrot last Saturday. It was obvious that those who came to the Rochfort Park site to enjoy the displays and sideshows and to participate in the competitions were not going to let the weather spoil their fun. Others came to marvel at the transformation that had taken place in three short weeks at this small triangular

piece of land sandwiched between State Highway 49, Rochfort Road and the Mangateitei River. Where a grassed lawn grew three weeks ago there were now rock-filled pools, a stream with rapids had been constructed, fountains spouted, a bridge and decking had been built, rockeries had been planted, an information sign provided, and of course the Giant Carrot had been erected. This attractive landscaped area is a tribute to the Ohakune Growers Association and a team of dedicated workers who toiled to have everything ready in time for last Saturday's extravaganza. The live displays included many associated with the area's market garden industry. A parade of tractors attracted more than 40 of these machines ranging from the mini to the maxi and the two largest performed a tug-o-war. Practically every grower in the region fielded a 2-man team in the vegetable-bag stacking competition — competitors were required to load bags of carrots and other produce from a pallet into a cage. This event was won by Sonny Chan and Monsol Nathan on speed and neatness. In anotht. event three competitors driving tractors . had to load 30 crates onto a truck or trailer. This too was judged on speed and neatness. It was won by Ivan Young with Ronnie Jensen second and in third place was Bryan ('Horse') Ludeman.who also demonstrated how an upturned crate can be turned over and up the right way using a fork lift tractor! Jon Zealando the magician provided entertainment for adults and children alike...the illusions he performed impressed everyone. Doves and rabbits appeared and disappeared in rapid succession accompanied by numerous other slight-of-hand tricks.

Mackay George of Wanganui Aero Work provided a spectacular display of aerial aerobatics associated with a demonstration of top dressing. Billed as the longest tug-o-war ever several hundred 'Growers' competed against an equal number of 'Townies' and easily won this event. There were many other events too. A carrot cake cooking competition was 'held. This was won by

Elwyn Costello of Ohakune. A children's fancy dress competition was also held. Lolly scrambles were held and throughout the afternoon music was provided by the Domino Duo. The entire proceedings were very ably compered by Terry Drayton and presided over by the Carrot Guru, Peter Hammond. Then it was time for the official unveiling of the Giant Carrot.