A weekend to remember in Otautau
It was a busy weekend for Otautau residents as they hosted the annual Otautau Flowers Quilts and Crafts Day and the Otautau Car Show.
The rain was not enough to deter about 1500 people from attending the car show at Holt Park.
Otautau Promotions Group chairman Peter Gutsell said the committee was ‘‘over the moon’’ with the turnout.
It was a great day with plenty of entrants and spectators, he said.
Cars from the 1940s to brand new models were on display.
A total of 132 people entered into the 11 categories, which included best car, best motorbike, peoples choice and most commercial vehicle.
While the weather turned some people off entering their prized possessions, there was still plenty for people to do, Gutsell said.
A live band, barbecue, craft stalls and a merry-go-round ‘‘loaded with kids’’ made it a great family day out, he said.
This year the band, called Old School, was a stand out feature that the ‘‘petrol heads’’ seemed to enjoy, Gutsell said.
For those with a softer side, a cup of tea and floral display was on offer.
There was also a good turnout at the Otautau Flowers Quilts and Crafts Day.
About 160 guests, including Southland District councillor and deputy mayor Paul Duffy, National MP Todd Barclay and people from as far as Dunedin, attended the day.
Committee member Bev Ballantyne said she thought it was ‘‘fantastic’’.
The show featured work from people throughout the region.
There were competitions and stalls selling different creations which included flower displays, vegetables, quilts, photography, Devonshire tea and baking.
About 30 people entered the competitions, several of them entering more than one.
A stand out for the day was the floral display.
Feedback from the community was that it was the most amazing display people had ever seen, she said.
But quilts from Gore were also a talking point for spectators.
‘‘There are crafty people from all over the Southland region,’’ Ballantyne said.
Money raised from the event will go to the Otautau Community Trust.