PHOTO
John Boulton's term as mayor is not subject to the whims of any voters, although he is starting to wonder if it is time someone else took over.
At 12.23pm yesterday the Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park Mayor was getting ready for another round of engagements, after the hectic ''Hi Tea'' on Saturday.
Over the next few days they include a barbecue Champagne breakfast, fish 'n' chip night and a liqueur night.
Mr Boulton (70), from Geraldine, is one of two mayors at the camp. The other is mayor of the island, Dave McKissock, of Invercargill.
There is some uncertainty over who is mayor of the lower camp.
Mr Boulton and his wife Sue have been staying at the camp during the summer since 1986. Their caravan is left there permanently and they usually stay there at least once a fortnight and two weeks or more at Christmas, from September to April.
''We travelled all around the South Island and always finished up here, so decided we would stay,'' he said.
He was ''elected'' mayor about seven or eight years ago.
''I think I got the job because we had owned the most caravans of anyone. It started out as a joke, about the same time they elected a mayor of the island.''
They are now in their 11th caravan.
Up to 50 people can be involved in activities at middle camp which are planned for the Christmas period.
When nothing is on, they still gather each evening, having their main meal at noon to keep the evenings free.
While not subject to any votes, Mr Boulton is unsure how long he will remain mayor, but hopes someone else will take over the regalia, which includes a cape and mayoral chain.
There is also the gnome. Those who pay homage to the mayor have to bring it to every social gathering.