It's all go for the Desert Fair

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 30, 15 January 1985, Page 8

It's all go for the Desert Fair

Colonel Bruce Meldrum, Commander of the Army Training Group, Waiouru, has confirmed that a significant proportion of proceeds from the 1985 Desert Fair will again be distributed to local Lions Clubs. $7,500 was distributed to Taihape, Ruapehu, Waiouru and Turangi Lions from the 1984 Desert Fair proceeds earlier this year.

First established in the early 70's, Desert Fair has now become a major, annual fund-raising venture with Waimarino communities as the primary beneficiary. Whilst organised by soldiers stationed in Waiouru, the Fair has grown to closely involve all the Waimarino communities. The participation of Lions Clubs in the 1984 Fair

contributed in no small way to its greatest success yet. It is hoped to repeat this success on 9 March 1985, the date for the next Fair. Members of local Lions Clubs will soon begin delivering site applications to businesses in the region. If the 1984 Fair is anything to go by, (when items like: three new cars, five motor cycles, four waterbeds, ten home computers, sundry

home appliances, industrial and recreational clothing, and a variety of sports equipment were sold), tben commercial firms are likely to be well rewarded for their efforts. Not all stalls at the Fair are commercial however, and there is an increasing variety of non-commercial exhibits with social, recreational, environmental and community themes. The aim of the 35 Fair is the same as 1984: — to raise funds for disbursement to community projects within the Waimarino. It is hoped to encourage local people to spend 9 March 1985 in Waiouru, at both Paterson Field and the Army Memorial Museum, in order to share a day of fun and spectacle. With entertainers like Billy T James and possibly Lindsay Yeo of 2ZB and Buzz-O-Bumble, and many local acts and cultural groups, the day would certainly not be wasted. A carnival side-show, monster raffle, military displays, sports club competitions, and exotic food stalls are expected to form just part of the day's attractions.