OTANE COUNTRY FAIR 2021

SATURDAY 6 FEBRUARY – WAITANGI DAY 9AM-2PM

Between Hastings and Waipawa, not far from SH 2, lies the picturesque village of Otane that comes alive on Waitangi Day when the annual Country Fair is held.

This year it’s the fair’s 21st Birthday which is even more reason to spend a pleasant few hours at this eclectic country festival and partake in some birthday cake You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the sunflowers planted by residents last October especially to delight the Waitangi Day visitors. Progressive Otane donated the seeds and are running a competition to find the tallest and largest bloom.

What started as a community fundraiser has gone from strength to strength with hundreds of visitors expected to enjoy the stalls and entertainment that Progressive Otane organises. This year the plan is to put the proceeds towards installing a village security system.

Stalls will be set up in the Town Hall, on the village green outside and along Miller Street under the shade of the historic Linden trees and also in Ross Street. Shoppers will have the opportunity to browse an assorted mixture of stalls with goodies for sale ranging from plants, bric-a-brac, books, arts and crafts, to fashion, olive oil and fresh Hawke’s Bay produce, natural skincare products and wooden furniture and toys.

Otane Sunday market stall holders will be at the fair with a fine range of local and hand crafted produce, arts, crafts, edible goodies, vegetables, seedlings, garlic and heritage seeds.

There will also be plenty for the kids to enjoy including rides. There will be a variety of entertainment and refreshments served in the hall.

Just a street away the Otane volunteer Fire Brigade will open its doors to the public which is a great opportunity to chat to the fire fighters and get an insight to what a rural fire fighters job involves and take a close up look at the fire engines and maybe even have a ride!

There are plenty of shady spots to sit and enjoy a picnic or refreshments bought at the fair. McCauley’s Café in the old library will also be open.

Families can also add another activity to their Waitangi Day outing - the Otane Historic Walk. The walk, with signs in Maori and English, covers much of Otane’s rich history and includes 23 points of significance on a 2.5km trail around the village.

Organiser Vera Smith says people wanting a stall can book one right up to the day.

For more details contact Vera on 856 8159 or email: otaneprogressive@gmail.com