Desert fair attracts big crowds

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 39, 11 March 1986, Page 1

Desert fair attracts big crowds

Local clubs will soon receive the benefit of what has been described as the most successful Desert Fair ever, with about $10,000 raised for pre-school children. With Saturday a brilliantly fine day about 7500 people turned out for the Waiouru fair. Lieutenant John Hatton, promotor of the fair, said the public's support was greatly appreciated. "The local community showed their support to the fullest extent," he said. Lieutenant Hat(on said that most businesses and clubs had very lucrative saies. "We are already selling sites for next year's fair," he said. Highlights of the day included the Special Air Service helicopter and parachuting displays, an RNZAF Skyhawk simulated airstrike and the Hong Kongbased Gurkha pipe band. From raffle saies it is evident that people came from as far away as Warkworth in the north and Wellington in the south. Soon after 4pm the crowd left and the stalls were packed away. Later in the day the ground was spotless thanks to the Regular Force basics recruits from the Waiouru training depot. who cleaned up the rubbish. Next year, Lieutenant Hatton said the fair will be bigger and even better, with the public address system problems sorted out and better toilet facilities.