Mardi Gras promises something for everyone

Press, 20 February 1980, Page 14

Mardi Gras promises something for everyone

Darfield’s normally modest population of 1100 souls will be swollen out of all proportion this week-end with the staging of a Monster Mardi Gras. From 10 o’clock on Saturday morning the Darfield" Domain will be a hive of activity as contests, games and stalls attract people, not only from the County but hopefully from, the city as well.

Many months of planning for committees, clubs and individuals in the community have gone into the Mardi Gras, which is

a fund-raising effort for the ambitious Malvern Recreation and Social Centre at present under construction.

The day’s activities will get..off to a flying start with a truck driving. competition designed to ; test skill rather than speed. Anyone who fancies his '(or her) prowess behind the wheel of one of the “kings of the road” is welcome to enter, and it is not necessary to bring the truck — vehicles are being provided by local transport firms. Another competition which should be of interest to many people is the farm bike trial which is designed to test the riding skill of contestants. Once again, the motor cycles used will be provided by the organisers of the contest and entries on the day will be welcome. Competing with these two events for both noise value and attention will be

the Malvern Farmers’ Chainsaw Race, a serious affair which requires formal entry and adherence to strict rules. Competitors must be residents of Malvern .County' and their chain saws must be of 75ccor less.. Three' cuts will be required — an upward sweep, a downward sweep and a centre bore — and the first contestant to finish will win a new chain saw valued at nearly $350. At midday a relay team is expected to arrive at the Domain on the last leg of a marathon run from Hokitika. The team will leave Hokitika on Friday evening and run throughout the night, raising funds for one of the Mardi Gras Princesses.

The Ellesmere Highland Pipe Band and' local brass bands will be in ‘ attendance to pipe the runners into the ground. At 3 p.m. the crowning of the Mardi Gras Queen

will take place, the winner of the contest being the princess whose supporters have . raised the most money for the cause. During the afternoon there will be various other competitions and games, as well as the finals :of the morning’s contests. An auction at 4 p.m. promises to provide entertainment as well as some bargains for spectators. As well as household goods and farm produce, the auction will include everything from a swimming pool to guinea pigs. • A highlight of the day’s festivities will be the Top Team competition which will be staged during the afternoon. Teams from all over the county are participating, in three categories for ages under 15, 16 to 30, and over 30. Teams must be made up of three men and three women and the competition will .be in the form of an obstacle race.

Side shows and good o 1 d-fashioned country stalls will add to the carnival atmosphere and a continuous barbecue, priced for family enjoyment, will take care of hunger pangs. To encourage city-dwel-lers out of their urban ruts, free buses will run from the United Service Hotel in Cathedral Square to the Darfield Domain. The first will leave at 10.30 a.m. followed by .further vehicles as they are filled. The buses will return at about 5.30 p.m. As a fitting end to the day’s activities, a Mardi Gras Night has been arranged at the Darfield Hotel.

In keeping with the spirit of Mardi Gras the large carpark in front of the hotel will be converted to a street-cafe with um-brella-topped tables, hay bales and a continuous barbecue. A band has been engaged to provide music

for the merry-makers and local radio personalities, who will assist in compering the main events of the Mardi Gras, are expected to be in attendance. While the adults are enjoying the hospitality of the 'hotel, younger people will be catered for with a disco at the Darfield Hall. Family involvement and enjoyment are of paramount importance to the organisers of the Mardi Gras and every effort has been made to ensure that there is something for everyone on the day. The success of the Mardi Gras will be due in no small part to the support of the business community of Malvern County and many Christchurch and national firms. Their sponsorship of events, the provision of prizes and donations of products for the barbecues, and refreshment stalls are greatly appreciated.