Nothing to fear as sun shines on ute muster

Country entertainment attracted an 800-strong crowd at the sixth annual Waipiata Country Ute Muster in the Maniototo during the weekend.

Ute enthusiasts, as well as those keen to sample country living, gathered at the Waipiata Domain on Saturday morning.

More than 30 utes were entered in the seven categories of the competition, while others were displayed on the sidelines.

Mosgiel resident Ben Harley's 2008 SV6 Holden won Supreme Ute as well as the title of best ute in the street or modified section.

The people's choice award went to Matt Weir, of Ranfurly, who also won the best dressed or themed category with his 2003 Holden Storm.

Best ute in the chicks section went to a 1990 Toyota Hilux owned by Rebecca Cromond, of Abbotsford, and four friends won the best 4WD ute with their 1929 Troop Carrier.

Donald Stewart, of Milton, won the classic section with his 1965 Ford F100.

Ute Muster president Geoff McAtamney said the overnight event went without a hitch.

About 150 people camped at the domain on Saturday evening, and enjoyed a cooked breakfast yesterday as activities wound up.

Mr McAtamney said it was too soon to know exactly how many people attended, but he estimated about 800 passed through the gate overall.

"We had a pretty big night. It was a great turnout," he said.

It was the first time the ute muster had been held during March, as opposed to February.

Mr McAtamney said the change seemed to have been a positive one.

"The weather was perfect," he said.

As well as a 4WD trail ride throughout the Maniototo, other activities associated with the muster included sheep racing, a rural fear factor competition, tug-of-war, and live musical entertainment.

Dunedin builder Torsten Sandmark (22) defended his title in the fear factor competition, winning it for the third consecutive time.

Among other things, competitors were made to drink a glass of warm milk straight from the cow, sing a song, and answer questions with mousetraps on their fingers.

Money raised from the event would cover costs, allow for next year's muster, and go towards local projects, Mr McAtamney said.

Projects to benefit were the restoration of Waipiata's war memorial, the establishment of a young farmers' club, and the Ranfurly kindergarten, he said.