Bigger and better Desert Fair

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 35, 11 February 1986, Page 18

Bigger and better Desert Fair

Waiouru 's famous Desert Fair is coming up again on Saturday 8 March. One of this year's highlights will be the displays by the SAS (Special Air Service) -— the elite of the New Zealand Army. The SAS will demon-

strate aerial deliveries, repelling from helicopters and parachuting, as well as ground displays. Desert Fair organisers are hoping to draw 7000 people to the fair this year, with profits going as usual to Lions' groups in the Waimarino. Spokesman Lieutenant

John Hatton said that this year however, the money will be specifically earmarked to benefit young people in the Waimarino. Lieutenant Hatton said the fair is a great way for communityand other groups to raise money. Stalls are available for businesses and clubs, and

free sites will be given to charitable organisations which benefit the community. Lieutenant Hatton said some Waiouru community groups raise enough money from the fair to last them until the following year. The organisers are also keen to encourage anyone who would like to perform at the fair. Displays will include military-style motorbike riding by the School of Catering and Transport, fire brigade techniques, the Army's latest hardware, air delivery of stores and flights by strike aircraft from the RNZAF and a performance by the - pipe band of the 2 7 Gurkah Regiment from Hong Kong. A monster raffle is another attraction and the Desert Fair committee are appealing to firms and organisations for donations of prizes. All donors will be publicly thanked on the day of the fair and in newspapers. At the end of the fair, the Beating of the Retreat ceremony will be performed by the Army. This is a military tradition of the lowering of the flag, an event rarely seen by the public.