Big events move to showgrounds

HIGH FLYERS: From left, Brent Linn, Hawke's Bay A&P Society, Jeremy Bruce, pilot, Laura Hyde, marketing and fundraising manager and Hillary Riches, business development manager, Hawke's Bay A&P Society. PHOTO DUNCAN BROWN

Showgrounds Hawke's Bay is fast becoming a popular venue as those attending events outnumber capacity elsewhere.

Many people associate Showgrounds Hawke's Bay with sticky weather and hot dogs at the annual A&P Show, or a small city of horses when Horse of the Year rolls around each year, but next weekend it is set to prove it's a venue that delivers in every area.

General manager Brent Linn said next weekend would be something of a "perfect storm" as they provided a venue for two events, each expecting more than 500 people, within days of each other.

Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter Cocktail Party is set to have a large crowd when it takes to the Showgrounds on April 15. A Lowe Corporation Rescue spokeswoman said they had to move the event to the Showgrounds because of "unprecedented" numbers of tickets.

It is the 25th annual party organised by Hastings Karamu Rotary Club and prizes will be auctioned off on the night to raise funds for the vital service.

Yesterday the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter landed at the grounds for what Mr Linn said was a nod to the upcoming events.

Port Primary Sector Awards also needed a bigger venue and their event will be held on April 21.

Hawke's Bay A&P Society business development manager Hillary Riches said the awards dinner was one of the most significant primary sector gatherings in the region. "The opportunity to bookend the week with one of the region's most significant fundraisers will raise the awareness for all."

Mr Linn said the current demand and future inquiry he had experienced suggested there was need in the region for a venue that could accommodate more than 500 people. He said there were plenty of great options available for smaller functions, but in Hastings the Showgrounds was it.

Tickets to both events are still available by contacting hillary@showgroundshb.co.nz for the Primary Sector Awards or online at www.thecocktailparty.co.nz for the Rescue Helicopter Cocktail function.