IF EVER there was a need for a break from the intensity of the dramas Wairarapa has faced in the past two weeks -- including four deaths -- the Wairarapa events over the weekend provided it for all.
At the Martinborough Fair on Saturday, I bumped into the very same police officer who had been assigned to the funeral in Featherston for Pacer Willacy-Scott on Friday. Although the constable was undoubtedly used to some pretty rigorous assignments, he certainly looked like he was happy to be patrolling among an agreeable crowd of shoppers and bargain hunters, with the most likely hassle being a bawling lost child.
We had a chat about what a contrast another day can bring. Wairarapa is particularly successful in bringing events to the populace in the summer, with our obvious advantages in weather, and the sheer attractiveness and rustic nature of the area -- at least, to the minds of Wellingtonians who travel over the hill in their hundreds in the early morning to avoid the traffic queue on SH53.
Events, galas, festivals, fairs and fun days are, in effect, a responsible and cheerful safety valve when there are times when it can feel a bit too long since something fun happened in your town. The Romans had it right with Bread and Circuses -- particularly the circus aspect -- as a means of keeping the populace entertained. A lot of us have safety valves, a means of letting off some tension, and sports is a popular avenue. But not everyone plays sports, or has hobbies, or a performing talent, and not everyone has the ability to find excitement and challenges in a healthy fashion. Too wound up, too angry, and seemingly with nothing to do, people get into trouble -- as we saw last week.
The Martinborough Fair is a hefty commercial operation, a market for the Wellington region, but the Waitangi Day Festival in Queen Elizabeth Park is one of those responsible, fun, safety valves. The Masterton District Council put on an excellent day. It provided a picnic atmosphere, food and music, in a safe and sociable environment within reach of activities for children. And it was free. Events like these, which are not highbrow, arty, or expensive, are invaluable.