Carterton District Council [CDC] is already looking ahead to spring as it gears up for one of Wairarapa’s iconic events.
This year’s Daffodil Festival is scheduled for Sunday, September 10.
The annual festival is considered to be one of New Zealand’s longest-standing events. It takes place in Carterton, also known as New Zealand’s daffodil capital.
More than 10,000 enthusiasts have attended in previous years, and organisers are hoping for similar numbers this year.
Carterton mayor and former Minister of Defence Ron Mark said he was looking forward to it.
“When the weather turns on, it’s a stunning day for everyone. I never get sick of seeing photos of families and their children sitting in a sea of daffodils and enjoying watching the steam train come in,” he said.
“It’s just a magical day for all.
“We are so grateful for the Daffodil Festival, which is made possible by the Booth family, who through generations have displayed generosity by sharing their Middlerun farm with our community for daffodil picking,” Mark said.
People can expect to pick daffodils at the farm, go on steam train excursions, browse the High St market, and watch street performances.
The organisers of what is one of Carterton’s biggest social occasions, said community groups and businesses had collaborated to put the event together and showcase the district.
“As usual, there has been fantastic interest in stalls, but there are still some limited sites available,” said Heather Smith of the Carterton Lions.
“We look forward to engaging again with the community who always get behind the festival.”
Community groups helping organise the festival included CDC, Plunket, St Johns, the Carterton Train Society, Go Carterton, and the Carterton Lions.
The festival is scheduled to run at the same time as the Wai Art Show at the Carterton Events Centre between September 8 and 10.
The Art show, now in its 17th year, has the primary aim of supporting and promoting Wairarapa artists.
Anna-Marie Kingsley, the spokesperson for the show, said organisers wanted to encourage young creatives.
Towards this end, there is now a $1500 prize to encourage younger artists to participate.
“It is now easier for young artists to participate by being able to submit one to two works [rather than a whole panel] and with a reduced hanging fee of $5,” Kingsley said.
“Encouraging younger artists to exhibit is key to the diversity and longevity of the Wai Art Show. The prize pool of $1500 will hopefully boost young artists’ confidence and motivation to participate,” trustee Jo Lysaght said.
More information is at www.cdc.govt.nz/daffodil and www.waiart.nz.
– NZLDR
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
