Thousands expected to attend festival

Rural Art Deco Maniototo organising committee members (from left) Amie Pont, of Waipiata, Diane Paterson, of Patearoa, and Janet Parker, of Ranfurly, prepare for the annual festival's cabaret evening outside the art deco Centennial Milk Bar at Ranfurly yesterday with help from Mrs Pont's daughter Madi (6). Photo by Rosie Manins.

A cabaret evening last night launched the largest festival to date, with almost 200 ticket-holders donning 1920-40s dress.

Dance classes held earlier this month proved popular and most cabaret attendants combined period costume with moves from the art deco era.

Today, Ranfurly's main street will be closed to traffic for live entertainment, stalls, food, activities, and competitions associated with the occasion.

A classic car procession, fashion parade, and pipe band-led march through the town will take place this afternoon, following a full morning schedule featuring the opening of an art exhibition, market stalls, a public picnic, and street entertainers.

Volunteer working group and committee member Amie Pont said this year's festival also had a stronger family focus with expanded entertainment and activities for children.

An egg and spoon race will be held in the main street about 12.30pm before the first of two magic shows at the town's railway station.

Ranfurly's swimming complex will also host a pool party.

Mrs Pont said while organisers wanted to step up celebrations for the 10th festival, they were also careful to retain aspects of the event run since its inception.

High tea will be served at the Ranfurly Hotel from 2pm, and an art deco-themed fashion show will take place shortly after.

Live entertainment will continue into the evening, with performances from Suzanne Prentice, Glenis Crutchley, the Bathing Belles, X-Factor and an Austin Powers impersonator.

For the first time in the weekend festival's history, market stalls and street entertainment will be held on a Sunday.

A special art deco church service will also be held tomorrow at the railway station, after which a barbecue lunch will be served to celebrate all past and present volunteers.

As well as art deco celebrations, the annual Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon will pass through Ranfurly this weekend.

Each year, competitors and supporters gather at Ranfurly at the end of the first leg of the sporting event, and spend an evening in the town before departing on the second and final stage of the race which finishes at Middlemarch.

Fine weather is forecast throughout Central Otago for the weekend.

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz