What is Wanakafest?
With over 40 events confirmed for this year’s Wanakafest, festival organisers now require enthusiastic teams, businesses, individuals – young and old, and even the family pet to sign up and bring Wanaka alive during the five-day community festival, next month.
The programme has been designed for all members of the community and there are many opportunities for everyone to get involved.
A highlight event for businesses and community groups is the Infinity Street Parade, a spectacular display of floats and costumes along the lakefront.
Groups need to devise a theme, dress up the work van, car, bike or friends, and join the procession to celebrate the start of festival. Entrants have just over one month to create an eye-catching float that could put them in the running for the title of best community float, best business float or best recycled float.
For the children there are plenty of sporting, fun and entertaining events to take part in. From treasure hunts to fancy dress shows, or for the more energetic the ProActive Gym Kids Olympics will test teamwork, strength and agility. The older children will get a chance to demonstrate their skateboarding skills and tricks at the Cheapskates SK8 competition, with a DJ spinning the tunes to liven the atmosphere.
The more artistic talents will shine at the Edgewater Resort Early Evening Theatre. Watch Wanaka’s home-grown talent as local school children, drama groups, gymnasts, dancers and entertainers take centre stage. Design skills will be challenged to create unique outfits from recyclable materials at the Wanaka Wastebusters Wearable Waste Challenge.
Evening entertainment for the adults include a rousing rock rendition from The Chills, a comical hypnotic show or for an evening of glitz, glamour and games, Barluga’s 2007 Casino Royale event offers fantasy flutters with funny money on mock casino tables. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed James Bond characters.
Favourite family friends will see if they can hold their own on stage for the inaugural Wanaka Trading Post Pet Parade. An owner-pet look-a-like competition will amuse the crowds while the animal challenges will test the pet’s agility and obedience.
Festival manager Kerry Quin would like to encourage everyone to get involved, “I can guarantee festival participants lots of fun, entertainment and heaps of fantastic prizes kindly donated by festival sponsors and supporters. The festival programme offers something for everyone and it’s always great to see wanaka locals and visitors taking part,” she said.
Wanakafest runs from the 12-16 September. Tickets are now on sale from retail outlets across Wanaka and from the festival office.
Please see www.wanakafest.co.nz for programme details, registration and entry forms.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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