Games still a drawcard after 144 years
Waimate will host the 144th annual Caledonian Games on Saturday with a variety of activities including the popular gumboot throw and the quirky caber toss.
Waimate Caledonian Society treasurer Bernie Blackgrove said more than 200 events were on the programme ranging from athletics and cycling to bagpipes and highland dancing.
The caber toss – a traditional Scottish athletic event – involves competitors tossing a large tapered pole in a nod to Scottish ancestry.
The gumboot throwing involves competitors aiming for the longest gumboot throw.
‘‘We are the longest continuous running Caledonian Games in New Zealand,’’ she said.
‘‘There is big community involvement and a lot of support from local business.’’
Victoria Park will host the games, with the children’s athletics (aged 5 to 14) starting at 9.30am.
The children’s athletics will be followed by Highland dancing at 10am.
‘‘The Highland dancing brings a Celtic touch to the day, with a high number of entries expected again this year, the competition will be tough and very entertaining throughout the day,’’ Blackgrove said.
The cycling and speed skating events kick off at 10.30am then the 5km road running race from 12 noon, 1pm for the senior athletics and 1.30pm for piping.
In 2017, admission was made free in the hope families and locals would support the event.
Blackgrove said it worked a treat, with numbers increasing by at least ‘‘a couple of hundred’’ compared to 2016.
‘‘Support from the community has been amazing.’’
If wet, the event will be held on Sunday.