CITIZENS’ CARNIVAL

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4346, 4 January 1938, Page 4

CITIZENS’ CARNIVAL

A MOST SUCCESSFUL FIXTURE.

Wet weather .on Monday night, 26th December, which was scheduled as the opening of the Queenstown Citizens ’Carnival, caused an abandonment of the spectacular ceremonies in connection with this annual fixture. The Queenstown Municipal Band played some numbers under the shelter of the Post-office verandah, and aj few children who had assembled in fancy costume were not turned away without receiving a prize. It was unfortunate that the elements prevented the formal ceremonies from taking place, but visitors recognised that the rain was badly .needed. Later on in the evening the first of the Carnival dances was held in ‘the Garrison Hall and most Liberal patronage was accorded the function. The hall had been prettily decorated for the occasion and a liberal display of coloured streamers added materially to a fascinating scene._ Excellent music was supplied for this and other dances during the week by the Cocoanut Grove Dance Band.

On Tuesday night the excursion on the lake per s.s. Earnslaw was weLli patronised, there being a booking of nearly 360 passengers. On" Wednesday night dancing in the hall was the star attraction, and on Thursday there was another excursion on the lake, and on Friday night (Yew Year’s Eve) there was the usual revelry and handshaking on the water front. The music was supplied by the band. After midnight, many of those who did not go first-footing went back to _ the hall and engaged in dancing till an early hour. On Saturday night, Ist January, upwards of 600 revellers went aboard the Earnslaw for the Afysteiy Cruise on the lake. This .proved the most popular attraction of the week. The Coconut Grove Band provided the usual popular dance music and everyone enjoyed themselves to the full. The mystery was solved when the steamer touched at Cecil Peak, and in perfect conditions, a large number of the excursionists partook of supper on the beach. On Sunday evening the Queenstown Afunicipal Band, under Bandmaster A. Deer, gave a propamine of popular airs in the Park rotunda. There was a large number of visitors and local people present, who were very appreciative of the efforts of the Sana. The Good-bye dance was held in the Garrison Hall last evening and was again well patronised. To-night the Grand Finale will take place._ The gross proceeds from the Carniwal will be well over £250.