Strawberries galore at Waimate

Santa Claus attracts a big crowd for a lolly scramble after he arrives at the Waimate Strawberry...
Santa Claus attracts a big crowd for a lolly scramble after he arrives at the Waimate Strawberry Fare on Saturday.
A week of fine weather meant there were plenty of strawberries for the Waimate Strawberry Fare on Saturday, which attracted one of its biggest crowds in recent years.

Organisers estimated more than 14,000 visited the event. Even before its scheduled start at 10am people were looking to get the best choice of the food, berries from Waimate's two growers and the pick of what was on offer at 250 stalls.

Committee chairwoman Joy McIvor said the food offerings were supported by a full range of entertainment throughout the day, and the arrival of Santa Claus about 11am.

Tahlia McCarthy (4), of Oamaru, enjoys the hallmark treat. Photo by David Bruce.
Tahlia McCarthy (4), of Oamaru, enjoys the hallmark treat. Photo by David Bruce.
A gumboot-decorating contest for adults and children and strawberry jam contest added to the festive air. This year, organisers also ran a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Cure Research Trust, raising more than $3000 in sponsorship for men who offered to have their heads shaved or hair dyed strawberry pink.

That included three managers from Meridian Energy Ltd, which sponsored the event. Waimate Mayor John Coles got in on the act, choosing the hair dye rather than the shave.

There was a big range of food, from hot dogs and chips through to traditional Cornish pasties, Marlborough manuka-smoked bacon with avocado and a choice of whitebait, paua or mussel patties.

A new attraction was a hangi cooked by the Waihao runanga, adding a Kiwi cultural flavour.

The event has become one of Waimate's biggest annual events, with many stallholders from around the South Island returning year after year.

Mrs McIvor said there was a waiting list for stall spaces, with the event occupying Seddon Square and the neighbouring park as well.

 

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