Take the Plunge at the Petone Winter Carnival
9 July 2008
Take the Plunge at the Petone Winter Carnival
A mid-winter dip in the icy waters of Wellington Harbour will be one of the highlights of this year's Petone Winter Carnival on Saturday 19 July. Last year, scores of gaily dressed swimmers participated in the Mitre 10 MEGA Petone Polar Plunge, including one hardy soul clad in bubble-wrap!
This year's event promises to be something special, with all proceeds from the gold coin entry fee donated to Wesley Community Action. Registration starts from 2pm, with the plunge taking place at 2.30pm. Among the swimmers will be the team from Classic Hits 90FM, who will distribute prizes to those in the most imaginative costumes.
The Petone Winter Carnival is an afternoon and evening of community celebration centred along the Petone Foreshore. Mr Fungus, Chris Devious and the Thrills Circus performers will entertain the crowds with dazzling feats of juggling, balance and fire, and there will be drumming and circus skills workshops - including the flying trapeze! - held throughout the afternoon.
At the Petone Settlers Museum, The Dominion Post photographers display 40 of their best images and discuss their photography techniques. Members of the public are invited to enter A Cold Snap - a competition to reward the best digital photograph of the day as judged by The Dominion Post editorial team. Five well-known artists will also participate in creating a series of fire sculptures along the Petone Foreshore, which will be lit in succession at dusk as part of the E Tu Fire Sculptures event.
The grand finale of the Petone Winter Carnival is the Pelorus Trust Fireshow at 7.30pm. The annual fireworks display promises to be louder and brighter than ever this year, with the 15 minute spectacular set to a musical accompaniment simulcast on Classic Hits 90FM. The Fireshow can be seen around Wellington Harbour, but the best views are to be found along the Petone Foreshore, from Seaview through to the Korokoro Gateway. Boating spectators are also welcomed but must remain 300m away from the Petone Wharf.
The Petone Winter Carnival on Saturday 19 July is proudly sponsored by Pelorus Trust, Classic Hits 90FM and Mitre 10 MEGA, and organised by Hutt City Council's Leisure Active Business Unit.
For further information on the Carnival
visit www.wintercarnival.co.nz
Postponement day: Sunday, 20 July.
ENDS