Party fun to open precinct

The $1.3 million Holloway St upgrade is nearing completion in central Carterton, and a party is being thrown to celebrate the new precinct and its wealth of history.

Jeanine Gribbin, Carterton District Council events and projects co-ordinator, said community groups were invited to fundraise and help create a carnival atmosphere at the Historic Holloway Festival in the precinct, from 10am to 2pm on March 17.

"The aim of the festival is to celebrate Carterton's history and our future by bringing the people of the district together, to have fun, socialise and allow local groups to fundraise," Mrs Gribbin said.

Groups are invited to fundraise by running a festival stall that could offer food, a historic display or preferably an old-fashioned game, she said.

"Some examples of this are wet sponge throwing, bobbing for apples, tombola, cake stalls, sausage sizzles, fortune teller or coconut shy," she said.

Activities and stalls already booked for the festival include a historic display with hands-on gadgets in the Masonic Hall, a council and library display at the Carter Events Centre, vintage cars, horse and carriage, vintage machines, a ukulele band and a barrel organ.

There also will be spot prizes and giveaways, while younger festival-goers will get the chance to have their photo taken in historic costume.

A senior citizens' Devonshire tea also will be held in the Carter Events Centre, entry by gold coin donation.

One highlight of the day will be the lighting of the gas lamp and burying of a time capsule in Library Square over half an hour from 11am.

To run a festival stall or put on a performance, please contact Jeanine Gribbin at 379 4086 or you can email: jeanine.gribbin@cdc.govt.nz by March 11.