Rain showers during Alexandra Thyme Festival events yesterday
fitted in nicely with the theme of "cherishing our
environment", Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said.
"We need rain to make things more sustainable ... and to make
my garden grow," Mr Lepper told about 60 people who attended
the festival opening last night.
The festival was "well and truly established" on the
district's calendar of events and there was a vast range of
activities planned for the week, which attracted visitors
into the area, he said.
Mr Lepper is hosting one of the activities, a workshop titled
"Cooking with the Mayor" where he will share ideas for
cooking venison.
Festival committee member and Vincent Community Board
chairwoman Clair Higginson said sustainability and keeping a
balance were the main themes of the week.
Activities during the festival range from arts, music,
cooking and decorating workshops and recycling clothes and
jewellery through to tours of goldmining sites, rock-climbing
and a contest that involves making a "superhero" out of
recycled material.
One of the new events this year was Bard in the Park, during
which about 18 members of the Shakespeare in the Park
Charitable Trust, from Invercargill, shared excerpts from
Shakespeare's 's works.
The performances were held in Jolendale Park yesterday and
although it rained, the event was received well.
Trustee Angela Newell said it was a great setting and the
actors enjoyed being in a different environment.
The thyme festival finishes in Pioneer Park on Sunday with a
market day, children's talent quest and community garage
sale.
-lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz
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