Music and barbecue for community

Locals and visitors are invited to a day of music and good company on Sunday, January 31, when the Kingston Community Association hosts its annual "Kingstock'' event to raise funds for a new emergency services building.

"It is a great way to enjoy a lovely Sunday afternoon with friends and family, and support a good community cause at the same time. We encourage visitors as well as locals to join us," Kingston Community Association secretary Margaret Gibson said.

It is the third year Kingstock has been held. Last year, the event attracted a crowd of more than 200 on a fine, sunny day.

"A lot of people are turning it into a family tradition. Last year, we saw a couple of groups who used the event to get their families together for a 50-year and a 60-year birthday celebration,'' Mrs Gibson said.

Neil Chilton and friends are back with their band "The Business'' by popular demand after last year's performance, and have this year been sponsored by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

The local fire brigade will heat up the barbecue for a sausage sizzle, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinks and picnic. There will also be a raffle with more than 20 draws for prizes donated by businesses in Kingston and Queenstown.

Admission to the event is $10 for adults, with all proceeds going to the Kingston emergency services building fund. The fund aims to raise money for a new building for the township's fire engine and ambulance, along with facilities for health services, police and community
services.

So far, the community in Kingston has raised $20,000, which includes more than $8000 raised by Kingston resident David Giles, who produces jam and pickles and donates $1 for every jar sold at markets and other events.

Mrs Gibson said the community association had also been given pledges of support from QLDC, St John and Rural Fire Services for a total value of $100,000 for the new building, and she hoped work on the building could start early this year.

Kingstock, live music Sunday, January 31, from 2pm to 6pm. Lakefront Reserve, at the eastern end off Churchill St, Kingston. Entry $10 for adults, children free. BYO drinks and picnic. No dogs or bikes allowed.