A new Summerdaze event designed to bring together the sights, tastes, sounds, sports and traditions of countries around the world will be held in Arrowtown on Sunday 29 January.
“The inaugural Melting Pot event is a great opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity and history of this area. We will be showcasing a range of cultures with participants from China, Japan, Scotland, Ireland, India, Brazil and New Zealand Maori”, festival organiser Alistair McIlwrick said.
The ‘Melting Pot’ will take place on Butlers Green, Arrowtown from 2pm - 6pm and will feature a Country Music group, an Irish Band and a presentation by the Arrowtown Museum about the multi-national early settlement of the area.
In addition to the Melting Pot, the weekend will bring a range of Summerdaze events for all ages.
The ‘extreme’ event of the 05/06 Summerdaze Festival kicks off this Friday with the annual Skateboarding and BMX Jam.
People are encouraged to come along and check out some of the South Island’s best Skaters and BMX riders in action at demonstrations at the Glenorchy and Arrowtown Skate parks on Friday and the Wanaka skate park on Saturday.
“This is a great opportunity for the kids to showcase their skills in a jam with BMX rider Brian Veint, fresh from competing in the Vodafone X-air games in Wellington”, Mr McIlwrick said.
Plenty of prizes and giveaways have been kindly donated by Cheapskates. Budding skaters and BMXers are encouraged to try their luck at winning prizes for best move, worst fall, best style and most importantly, best effort.
Friday’s demonstrations will take place in Glenorchy from 10am - 12noon and Arrowtown from 5pm - 7pm. Wanaka’s event will take place from 12pm - 3pm on Saturday 28 January.
Saturday will also see the Frankton Arm Walkway become a loop track the day, thanks to Kawarau Jet.
“This is a great opportunity for people to walk the whole track, with free jet boat transfers from the Queenstown Villa del Lago Wharf (access via Park Street along the Frankton Track) and the Kelvin Heights Yacht Club Jetty”, Mr McIlwrick said.
A ‘big dig’ and BBQ will be held on Frankton Beach for kids to have a go at winning some goodies along the way.
Jet boat transfers are free of charge and will run from 10am - 11am and 3pm - 5.30 pm.
Participants in the ‘big dig’ are asked to bring a gold coin donation in aid of Cure Kids.
All three events are free of charge.
