Weekend starts with a crack and bang
A crack, boom and bang could be heard in Rongotea at the annual fireworks display.
The family affair, which has been running for more than 25 years, was a hit with Manawatu¯ residents on Friday night.
‘‘It’s higher, a bigger boom, bigger show’’ than city fireworks, Rongotea Fire Brigade deputy chief Lance Berry said.
The brigade was allowed to set off larger fireworks than city venues such as at Palmerston North’s speedway because of its large rural setting, he said.
The brigade was even offering free ear plugs for those in need of a bit of relief from the thundering display.
It was a $7000 light show for 13 minutes of fun, Berry said.
About 4000 people attended last year and the field filled up fast on Friday despite rain forecast for the evening.
Rongotea resident Amanda Hodge, who has been to the past five Rongotea fireworks displays, said it looked like it would rain every year.
‘‘It always gets cloudy like this, but then you see the sun come through.’’
When the sun set, the clouds loomed over the crowd but the rain held off until the final bang.
Palmerston North resident Suzanne Ruihi-lewis said it was the best display in Manawatu¯ .
She had been with her family for the past nine years and it had become a bit of a tradition, she said.
‘‘It’s just more family-friendly. ‘‘We used to go to the Feilding one but it’s just so packed.’’
Her nephew Caidyn Teal, 6, liked the big boom of the fireworks.
Along with Ruihi-lewis’ daughter, Eden, 9, they made the most of the festivities.
Usually, there was a bigger group but with one family member in hospital, they kept the tradition going in a trio, Suzanne Ruihilewis said.
Hot dogs, music and bouncy castles were all part of the entertainment.
For people who missed out on Rongotea’s display, there is the annual Fireworks Over the Manawatu¯ River, in Hokowhitu, on today.