Hundreds of residents and visitors sit down for the annual
Arrowtown Long Lunch in Buckingham St yesterday. Photo by
Stephen Jaquiery.
The original recipients of the proceeds from the popular
Arrowtown Long Lunch yesterday decided to "pay it forward" to
the family of a baby girl from Arrowtown who is fighting a
cancerous tumour.
Trustees of the Queenstown Trails Trust were in line to
receive more than $5000 from organisers of the second annual
ticketed dining event in Buckingham St.
However, trust chief executive Kaye Parker said the trustees
were so grateful for the community's support for the 110km
project, it was only fair they returned the favour,
especially to a little one in need.
Sydney Boden, born in September this year, was scanned at
Labour Weekend, diagnosed with the tumour on her abdomen and
taken to Christchurch Hospital for treatment.
Central Arrowtown yesterday was once again given over to
residents as dozens of tables and chairs lined the middle of
Buckingham St.
A total of 300 attended, up from 222 for the inaugural lunch
last year. Thirteen Arrowtown cafes and restaurants
participated, up from 10 last year, serving a variety of
cuisine, including New Zealand, French, Indian and Thai.
Unlike last year, the event was held on the more relaxed day
of Sunday, live singers and musicians provided entertainment
and a Riverton artist created a "live" portrait of the street
hosting the lunch, which was auctioned at the end of the
event.
A temporary open-air lounge with bar made its debut on
Buckingham Green, providing a change of scene for patrons
after their meal and for members of the public to feel part
of the occasion, QT Event Management general manager Malcolm
Blakey said.
The Long Lunch will return next year.
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