Game of Thrones celebrity headlines Rural Day
Two celebrities known to crowds around the globe will headline entertainment at Feilding’s Wild Wild West Rural Day.
Feilding internet sensation William ‘‘Waiirua’’ Cribb and Game of Thrones star Joe Naufahu will face off in a cooking competition at the Manawatu¯ town’s farmers’ market on Friday.
New Zealand actor Naufahu played Khal Moro, leader of the Dothraki warriors, in the popular HBO television series.
Cribb is a social media celebrity ‘‘boosting morale’’ with his unique brand of humour. His catchy sayings and quirky dance moves are captivating crowds around the world.
People may also recall Naufahu from Go Girls, where he played Eli, a rugby player who was confused about his sexuality. But it was his stint on Game Of Thrones that really grabbed people’s attention.
Since then, he has starred in Cowboy Drifter, an indie film shot in New Mexico, and had a small role in sci-fi flick Ghost In The Shell, with Scarlett Johansson.
A knee injury in 2003 forced Naufahu into early retirement from what was shaping up to be a glowing rugby career, having played for the New Zealand under19s, under-21s, for Southland, and for the Glasgow Warriors.
When an acting opportunity came along, he instantly got the bug.
The duo will combine for the Manawatu¯ town’s rural extravaganza. Despite the liquid sunshine last year, Feilding’s bravest ventured into Manchester Square, which played host to sheep, goats, pigs, ponies and thousands of visitors during the annual gathering.
This year’s event includes the return of the Grand National Sheeplechase, where seven highly trained sheep race to the finish line for a well-earned bucket of feed.
Each Ceviot-cross Texel sheep is mounted with its very own jockey – a teddy bear – wearing individual racing colours.
The friendly personalities of Feilding will also clash when local businessmen go head-to-head in the gumboot relay race from the saleyards to the clock tower.
Positioning a runner at specific locations, it won’t be a baton that they pass on, but rather a gumboot to wear. As not all feet are the same size, runners will have to find a size that will roughly fit each of them.
Zippity Zoo will also be holding interactive sessions where children can touch, hold and feed several animals.
The mobile petting zoo has been one of the star attractions in recent years.
Tractor, pony and coach rides will also be back, and old favourites such as milking a cow and the bucking bull return also.
The Wanted Reward competition is back – children will be rewarded if they can hunt down the two celebrities in the morning.
The friendly personalities of Feilding will clash in the gumboot relay race.