Spring may have officially sprung on September 1, but that is of little consequence to the organisers of the second annual Centrewood Spring Fete, to be held today.
The celebration, which typically marks the beginning of spring, is intended by organisers Jo Sutherland, of Centrewood Estate, Ali Chaffey, of Craigmore Station, and Cate Herlihy, of Ranfurly, to be more of a traditional fete day.
Mrs Sutherland believed this year's selected stallholders, including businesses from Marlborough, Wanaka and Stewart Island, were better and more exciting than last year, and encouraged people to come along and relax with a Pimms cocktail or a glass of local wine while enjoying lunch in the established historic garden.
Goods at stalls range from bags, contemporary jewellery, clothing, shoes, merino products, Persian rugs, bed linen, handcrafted pottery, sculptures, children's wear, plants and garden accessories.
Smith and Boston, of Christchurch, will hold a fashion show, and local vocalist Vanessa Kelly will perform jazz and blues on the lawn.
The food and wine hall will host award-winning Whitestone Cheese, Waitaki Bacon and Ham and Mandy's Horseradish, as well as purple asparagus, high country honey, local olive oils and wines.
Alison Lambert, of Dunedin, will hold a food demonstration using the seasonal produce available at the fete.
Entertainment for the children will include a Punch and Judy performance by Natural Magic, and The Nor'Wester Morris Dancers will dance around a maypole.
Rugby World Cup-themed kiwis, constructed from papier mache, balloons and paint by pupils from Waimate Main School, Waituna Creek School and Waihao Downs School will be hidden throughout the gardens, and a prize given to the person who identifies how many there are.
Kasi Van Kleef (10), of Waimate Main School, was excited about attending the fete.
She was "looking forward to seeing our kiwis around the garden, because kiwis live in the garden".
Mrs Sutherland said there would be something for everybody, including "gourmet pies for the boys and packed lunches for the children".
She hoped the 1200-strong crowd of a year ago would be boosted to more than 2000.
Entry will cost $10 for adults and is free for children under 12.
