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The rivalry between Rotary and Toastmasters was evident when Mike Pero’s Andrew Steens flipped the coin between Rotarian Mick Fay and Toastmaster Sandy Gordon. The Warkworth Great Debate will be held on October 13.
Interest from stallholders in next month’s Kowhai Festival is stronger than usual so organisers are encouraging local producers and artists not to miss out.
Festival Committee chair Murray Chapman says there were close to 170 stalls last year, which is just about the limit that can be catered for.
“With 97 stall places already secured, we are about 20 to 30 bookings ahead of the same time last year,” Mr Chapman says.
“But the message that we’d really like to get across to the community is that the festival presents a huge opportunity to showcase local artisan food, art and crafts. On the Huge Day Out, we have an estimated 20,000 people in the main street – it really is a once in a year opportunity for not just Warkworth, but the district.”
Large stall sites cost just over $100, with cheaper rates for smaller sites and a special rate for community and charitable organisations.
Stallholders can register online at kowhaifestival.co.nz.
Murray says the festival is run entirely by a small but dedicated team of volunteers who would appreciate a hand on the main day, Saturday October 8.
For the most part, volunteers are there to provide a presence, help out where necessary, manage lost children, answer queries and give directions. They are rostered on in two-hourly shifts.
If anyone can help, they should fill out the volunteers form on the website.
“We are also always looking for new committee members. It would be great to be able to encourage young people because they bring ideas and energy and, in turn, I think they would get a lot out of being involved.”
