Wainui fair has country flavour

Wainui School parent Nikki Mallon had to act quickly to capture a chicken that escaped its cage. The escapee won Highly Commended and 3rd prize – perhaps, Nikki suggested, for its speed. Children got creative in the Pet Egg category, designed for those who didn’t raise a chicken. A goat called Lucky is well-named, winning the Supreme Champion Goat title for owner Harry Browne Hale. Keira Sams’ orphan lamb, called Pinto, was covered in ribbons, taking out two 1st prizes, one 3rd and two 4ths as well as being named Reserve Champion. Animals and their owners paraded around the Wainui School field. Rita Straka’s lamb called Lady won seven ribbons. Wainui’s Garden to Table project resulted in a table of goods for sale that included seedlings, as well as products such as lip balm, beeswax wraps and cards.

The sound of a live band playing country music, laughter and lambs bleating welcomed visitors to Wainui School’s annual Country Fair.

The event was held on October 19 – a fine Spring day, and has a true country flavour. It includes market stalls and a selection of low tech games such as a coconut shy, Splat the Rat and Ball in the Bucket.
Market stalls with jewellery and crafts filled the school hall and there was plenty of food on offer, including a sausage sizzle and the ever-popular cake stall.

Pet goats and lambs were put through their paces for judging and then paraded around the school field and there was also a large section of hand-raised chickens.

The event is a big fundraiser for the school and, unusually, is held on a school day and included in the curriculum.