Desert Fair a winner

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 39, 17 March 1987, Page 1

Desert Fair a winner

Desert Fair '87 turned out a winner last Saturday entertaining neariy 9000 people and raising $17,500 for youth aid development projects by the local Lions Clubs. The crowd was not put off by a passing shower but stayed to witness the record attempt by Army cadets. The Army Training Group Regular Force cadets and apprentices broke the record for the number of people to fit onto a long wheelbase Land-Rover, staying on the vehicle, clear of the ground for a minimum of ten seconds. The previous record was 153 set by the British Army two years ago. The new record is 165 people. The Army is going to seek inclusion of the record in the Guinness Book of Records. Another record broken must surely be the highest ratio of men to women passengers on a Land Rover — one woman cadet took part in the record attempt.

Other events included in the programme were a best dressed truck competition, throw the army boot (women's and men's divContd. on back page

Desert Fair a winner

Contd. from page 1 isions), top town competitions, Land-Rover strip, motorcycle gymkhana, Fire Brigade competitions, young farmers sheep trials, tug of war, lolly scramble, a vehicle cut-up, a 'My Fair Lady' competition, skilled driver events, St Johns Ambulance displays, along with a wide variety of stalls and the popular side-shows. The results from the various competitions of the day were tallied up to find the 'Supertown' of the area, with Ohakune-Raetihi (who joined forces) taking the title. Waiouru were a close second. Ohakune-Raetihi were placed first in the best dressed truck competition, the Fire Brigade, and Cable Price skilled driver competi-

tions. They were placed second in the army boot throw, young farmers, tug of war, and scouts competitions, and came third in the motorcycle gymkhana and top town competition. Taihape and Turangi towns were the other contenders for the title. Ruapehu Lions Club president Elwin Greenwood accepted the trophy, a mounted, shining, army boot, from Army Training Group Colonel Graeme Birch. The money raised from the fair will be spent on projects such as sending a disadvantaged youth to the Outdoor Pursuits Centre, deaf children and on child safety.