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Thousands of people turned out for the 170th Anniversary celebrations in the centre of Warkworth on Saturday, November 11 to mark the US troops presence in the town 80 years ago during World War II.
The event was organised by Heritage Mahurangi and featured a military parade from Baxter Street to Winscombe Mall, a display of military vehicles, a flyover by vintage planes and a Skywork helicopter, can-can girls on the balcony of the Warkworth Hotel and a performance by the Royal NZ Navy Band.
Earlier in the day, wreaths were laid at the cenotaph in Church Hill as part of Armistice Day ceremonies. Then military personnel representing all three services paraded through town, led by the Navy Band. Also participating in the parade were students from Mahurangi College and Warkworth Scouts.
Heritage Mahurangi chair Dave Parker said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and was particularly pleased by the number of families in the crowd.
The day wound up with a Warkworth Big Band concert at the Warkworth Town Hall.
Photos, Anna Thoroughgood
