Two Kingston events aim to boost funding

Kingston's emergency services' building fund looks set to be bolstered by two community events this Sunday and next.

After a successful debut last year, Kingstock returns to the beachfront on February 1, from 2pm until 6pm.

Live music will be provided by Neil Chilton and the Business.

There will be multidraw raffles, refreshments will be BYO, and barbecue food will be on sale at the Kingston Rural Volunteer Fire Force stall.

Newcomers to the event, which is part of the Queenstown Lakes District Council's Summerdaze Festival and organised by the Kingston Community Association, "can expect a very relaxed atmosphere with music and dancing and a great family day out", secretary-treasurer Margaret Gibson said.

Entry is $10 per adult and children are free.

The venue will be signposted off State Highway 6.

The first Shirt Tail Sprint, a challenging 1km race to the lookout point on the hill above the township, takes place on the following Sunday.

Organised by the volunteer fire brigade, registration is on the day at the Kingston Tavern from 9am until 10am. Entry is $20.

The first 50 entries are guaranteed and will receive an official T-shirt.

The race starts at 11am and St John will be on site.

Runners will be set off in groups of 10, with $500 going to the winner.

"We've been raising money [for the building fund] for a long time because our fire crew is so large and our building is so small, even getting your overalls on is a mission," sprint organiser and volunteer firefighter Terzann Elliott said.

"It's old and everything's very dated. An upgrade is needed for us to operate better as a fire brigade and using the right equipment will raise morale.

"We need to expand and St John need to house their vehicle as well."

The project will result in an extension to the existing Kingston fire station to accommodate the fire brigade, St John, part-time health professionals and a police service, at a cost of about $300,000.

The community association received grants of more than $120,000, including $50,000 from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, and residents have raised about $20,000 during the past year.