Media release for immediate use 11 December 2008

A Berry Special Festival Descends On Waimate

Sweet-tooths beware because this year’s Strawberry Fare is bound to tempt your taste buds.

The much-anticipated annual Waimate Strawberry Fare will be held on Saturday 13 December in Waimate’s Seddon Square and Bolland Park, and it is set to be bigger and better than ever.

The ever-popular festival celebrates the Waimate district’s berry fruit industry, established in the 1880s, and it continues to grow each year.

Since its beginnings in 1984, the number of stalls at the day-long event has grown from 37 to around 250, and it now attracts around 14,000 people from all over New Zealand.

Claire Shaw from major sponsor Meridian says Meridian is proud of its ongoing relationship with the event.

“Meridian has sponsored the Waimate Strawberry Fare since 2002. It is a fantastic event for the whole family offering all day entertainment, stalls and colourful entertainers. And what’s more, entry is free,” she says.

The Waimate Strawberry Fare commences at 10.30am with the arrival of Santa Claus at 11.00am.

Visitors are sure to be rocked by the energetic Freddy Mercury Tribute Show, and for those who like something a little different, why not put on your best tutu and join in a dance session with the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company at Waimate High School?

Meridian has brought a member of the Royal New Zealand Ballet to Waimate for Strawberry Fare, after recently working with the company to bring the Meridian Season of Don Quixote to audiences up and down the country.

More friends of Meridian will be present at the event too - Project Crimson, a trust working to reinstate native pohutakawa and rata around the country, are also getting involved.

Schools in the area have already been taking part in the Meridian Project Crimson colouring competition. Project Crimson canvas bags have been supplied to schools and children have drawn their own special artistic impressions of the rata and pohutakawas – the winners of the competition will be drawn at this weekend’s event.

There will also be some great Project Crimson goodies on offer for those looking for last minute Christmas presents – including some stylish T-shirts designed by New Zealand designer Laurie Foon.

“Sponsoring the Waimate Strawberry Fare is a great way for us to join Waimate and celebrate the summer with this family event. You’ll see a number of our staff joining in the festivities and sampling the scrumptious strawberries and other fare on offer,” Claire Shaw says.

“Meridian will have our own marquee at Strawberry Fare, with lots of activities for children and things to see. We’re really looking forward to joining in the fun.”

ENDS

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