Organisers of Ranfurly's annual Art Deco festival are gearing
up for the biggest event to date, as its 10th anniversary
approaches.
The Rural Art Deco Maniototo celebrations will be held from
February 25 to 28, and will include what have become staple
features as well as some new, additional attractions.
Volunteer working group and committee member Amie Pont said
this year's festival would have a stronger family focus with
expanded entertainment and activities for children.
Tickets were selling fast for the cabaret evening on Friday,
February 26, she said.
For those who wanted to dress in Deco style, a collection of
fashion items would be available for hire, and others not
content to combine modern dance with period costume could
take cabaret dance classes on February 11.
Mrs Pont said while organisers wanted to step up celebrations
for the 10th anniversary, they were careful to retain aspects
of the festival run since its inception.
"We wanted to keep the stuff that has made it what it is
today," she said.
A new fixture would open the festival on the evening of
Thursday, February 25, when sponsors and others involved
could view an art exhibition titled "Maniototo".
"That's about bringing to the fore the creative side of the
Maniototo.
"There are so many hidden talents out there," Mrs Pont said.
On Saturday, February 27, Ranfurly's main streets would be
closed to traffic while market stalls, vendors, live
entertainers, and musicians lined the pavement.
A classic car rally, procession, street party, and fashion
parade would be run, while children could participate in a
pool party, treasure hunt, games, and a colouring
competition.
Sunday, February 28 would be an opportunity for all past and
present volunteers to be thanked at a community barbecue held
after an Art Deco morning church service.
Market stalls and street vendors would again be in the main
street on Sunday, in a first for the festival.
Mrs Pont anticipated up to 1500 people would enjoy the
programme, including annual Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon
participants staying in the Maniototo on Saturday night with
their support crew.
"We are counting on very fine weather," Mrs Pont said.
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