Brigade organises parade

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 15, 9 September 1986, Page 1

Brigade organises parade

1986 is Ohakune's 75th Jubilee, and this year the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade have taken on the massive task of organising the parade of floats. The official date for the jubilee parade is 21 February 1987, but months before that will be spent in preparation. Ohakune's Chief Fire Officer, Max Martin, said that he had already received some entries, and the Brigade water tanker had already been booked for the day! Mr Martin said that the volunteer firemen would be available to offer advice to prospective float builders as to themesfor theircreations. "There is no end to ideas" he said. At the Fire Brigade's 75th in 1 983, we had a "Flinstone Flivver" entry where the whole float was made of wood, right down to the wheels, and everyone was dressed in animal skins. It took six hours to contruct." The official theme for this year's jubilee however, is Ohakune Yesteryear, and it is hoped that people will make floats associated with the theme. The parade will begin at Ohakune Junction and finish at the Ohakune-Karioi rugby grounds. It should take about three hours.

This year's format is slightly different to that of previous years as there are plans to organise fun events after the parade, with such items as wood-chopping, a hangi or barbeque, and even the possibility of a ferris wheel. Volunteer fireman, Ben Goddard said that the aim this year was to create a fun day with a gala atmosphere. There has been no competitive wood-chopping in the Waimarino sincearound 1 950, and they are. confident that with the help of some big name personalities, it will be a major drawcard. The New Zealand Navy Band has been booked already. Floats can be entered in three sections, trade, open and the main yesteryear theme, and a separate children's section. The Brigade is confident that they will receive a large number of entrants. Entry forms will be sent to all organisations in the Waimarino, but in case a keen group does not receive one, a copy can be obtained from secretary, Kevin Munn. Organisations are asked to get in behind the Jubilee float parade and enter, or come up with some ideas on stalls or events for the furiction after the parade.