Spring Celebrations Wanaka Style

PRESS RELEASE 17/09/07

Spring Celebrations Wanaka Style

Wanakafest 2007 finished on a high last night with The Southern Trust Wanakafest Grand Finale fireworks; Festival Assistant Manager Jess Townshend is delighted with the success of the festival.

The community festival staged over 40 events and drew crowds of up to 5,500 people during the five-day event. The old favourites on the programme did not fail to entertain with the crazy antics of the Ray White and Radio Wanaka Polar Plunge as the fool-hardy leaped in to the icy waters of Lake Wanaka while the McGregor’s Doughbin Dig In caused much hilarity as contestants speedily devoured pies and fizzy drink.

Models strutted their stuff on stage, togged out in the latest fashions from local retailers at the Unichem Passion 4 Fashion Show. The audience had a chance to show their dance moves as the Funky Hot Mamas’ lively act encouraged them to their feet.

Townshend was delighted Wanaka locals and visitors to the region got involved, “It was fantastic to see the town came alive with the creative energies of festival-goers, enthused to be a part of the event. There were smiles on faces around the town from the opening Infinity Street Parade to the primed pets taking centre stage at the Wanaka Trading Post Pet Parade, even the athletes were thrilled with the return of the Mt Iron Foot Race,” she said.

Revamped for this year’s event, the More FM Market, Music and Munchies attracted hundreds of visitors downtown to enjoy a mellow afternoon perusing arts and crafts stalls, and savouring delicious local fayre while being entertained by bands from Mt Aspiring College.

The festival message was sustainable Wanaka, and festival-goers were continuously encouraged to leave their plastic bags at home, recycled materials were used for various events and new growth was encouraged at the Sustainable Wanaka Tree Planting on Ruby Island. The Wanaka Wastebusters Wearable Challenge saw funky outfits created from recycled materials.

The festival ran from the 12-16 September with more than 30 community groups involved, including schools, businesses and craftspeople. For more information see www.wanakafest.co.nz.

The festival is grateful to the family of generous sponsors; Infinity, Trustpower, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Strawberry Sound, Q92 The Breeze, More FM, The Edge, Central Lakes Trust and Kia Motors Aspiring Auto Court, and the many Trusts and local businesses.

ENDS

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