Culverden fete now major attraction
People flocked from across the South Island to make the pilgrimage to the Culverden Christmas Country Fete, but Ross and Linda Collett may have had the best arrival of all.
The couple decided to fly up from Timaru, landing in a nearby paddock ‘‘that looked right’’ from above.
Ross Collett said the couple’s first time at the fete was an ‘‘overall great day out’’.
‘‘We’ve been meaning to go to it for years. The day turned into the right opportunity and the weather was good.’’
That beautiful day brought out big crowds for the 25th anniversary of the fete yesterday.
What started as a small country event now attracts over 5000 people from across the country.
Co-organiser Flicka Williams said the fete was colourful and vibrant and had ‘‘a very festive feel’’.
She said it started as a small local market, set up by her mother, Lou Davison, and locals Sue Gardner, Fiz Rutherford and Jossy Davison.
‘‘When farming was a bit tough, they needed a source of income.’’
Every year, it rotated between the organisers’ homes until it settled at Davison’s, known as Wynyard Farm.
Since then it’s grown into a huge annual occasion, with over 200 stalls selling everything from Persian rugs to art, food and wine, jewellery and furniture.
This year, they celebrated the quarter century with cake and music in the art hangar.
Williams said the fete was a ‘‘vital part’’ of the region as it brought in lots of visitors.
‘‘I’m pretty sure every year all the accommodation is booked up in Hanmer Springs.’’