'Incredible atmosphere' at Winter Festival

Brendan Frost drives a jet boat go-cart in the Queenstown Winter Festival Street Parade. Photos:...
Brendan Frost drives a jet boat go-cart in the Queenstown Winter Festival Street Parade. Photos: Gregor Richardson
Runners vie for position just after the start of the Golden Mile race.
Runners vie for position just after the start of the Golden Mile race.
Dancers entertain the crowd.
Dancers entertain the crowd.
A good crowd turned out to watch the events.
A good crowd turned out to watch the events.

Winter festival continued in Queenstown today with people flocking to the town centre to watch the Golden Mile race and local crowd-pleaser, the Festival Street Parade.

Floats of all shapes and sizes took part and included a three-metre snowman, some tunes from Queenstown Pipe Band, a scary float from local business Fear Factory, comprising zombies and Coronet Peak staff throwing snowballs into the crowd.

Lyall McGregor was joined by local singers Helen Bird and Melita Gizilis on the Volunteer Fire Brigade float, adopting an Abba theme.

He said the parade "rocked", with locals and visitors singing along to the popular 1970s tunes.

"The crowd was really appreciative and got involved as we went along. Everyone knows the songs and it was a great way for people to get involved."

Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay, who completed the Golden Mile race in a suit, said it was a great event.

"[It's] fantastic to see so many people from right across the community get involved and great so many businesses get in behind WinterFest. It was a fun family day out and the atmosphere was incredible."

Earlier in the day Mountain Bikes on Snow took place at The Remarkables ski area.

This evening local ice hockey team Stampede take on West Auckland Admirals. Coach Adam Blanchette, who also took part in the Street Parade today, says it promises to be an entertaining game of hockey.

For those looking for a good laugh, the Comedy Debate is being held tonight at Queenstown Events Centre. New Zealand comedian Jeremy Corbett is chairing the debate with the theme ''NZ should become a state of Australia''.

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