Never mind cake stalls and cheese rolls - Omarama School, in true high country style, has come up with a much more innovative fundraiser.
The inaugural Omarama Big 5 was held yesterday in glorious conditions at Omarama Station.
Sixteen teams of four took part in clay target shooting, rifle shooting, mini-golf and fly-fishing, rounded off with a quiz in the evening.
The rifle shooting involved hitting a life-size stag made by the children or for those supremely confident of their aim, a replica rabbit for extra points.
Fly-fishing was judged on accuracy, distance and style, with fish not on the menu, and in the mini-golf, the aim was to hit an ashtray in the wreck of a car.
The car was even a "natural resource", organiser Richard Subtil pointed out, as it was "yet another wreck from the Lindis [Pass]".
The event was the brainchild of Mr Subtil after he saw a similar event organised by friends in North Canterbury.
It seemed a good way to draw money from outside the area rather than constantly relying on parents, and to have fun while doing it.
Businesses had lent huge support, Mr Subtil said.
Each team paid a $500 entry fee and got a "full day's entertainment".
It was planned to make it an annual event.
Prizes were in high country style, and included vouchers for Icebreaker merino clothing and cuts of mutton.
"It's about what we do here. I know a lot of people who really like the opportunity to get into the high country - so that's why we're doing it," Mr Subtil said.
