An apparently professionally produced sign saying ‘‘McDonald’s. Coming Soon! Planned opening: 1 April 2027’’ appeared on the Jedburgh St entrance to the site of the former town hall and cinema yesterday morning.
The historic town hall and cinema burned to the ground in a fire on Waitangi Day last year.
It was insured and the Central Otago District Council agreed last week with the local community board’s preference to rebuild the centre on the same site.
The McDonald’s prank seemed to tickle locals’ fancy, and was quickly shared on local social media platforms.
The Roxburgh Community Garden even joined in the fun, treasurer Anne Marie Gardiner quipping on social media the garden had been awarded the contract to supply the lettuce and tomatoes.
Owner of Feinerman’s General Store Sally Feinerman said the town needed a bit of a laugh.
‘‘There’s been contention around the site for a while, so it’s nice to see something light on it. Just shows our good humour.’’
The store is just along the road and she said the fake sign was still there at 2pm with no indication as to who did it or how long it would remain.
