OUR annual Geon Art Deco Weekend is one of the country's top summer attractions. Visitors flock to Hawke's Bay for the February knees up which has become quite the party to be at. Winter, however, could be said to be the locals' time to reclaim the party with the Bluewater Hotel DecoDecanted Weekend. There will be visitors, of course, but nowhere near the summer crowds so we who live here can breathe a little easier as we get into the swing, and the jazz, of things. This year marks the 25th birthday of Art Deco celebrations and there is a brilliant line up of events and entertainment, starting tonight with a Salute to the Services dance. The Art Deco Trust did a splendid job of the big summer weekend so there is every reason to believe its general manager Sally Jackson when she says 2010's Deco Decanted will be the "best ever". There's no need to take Sally's word for it, however, when you can step out and see for yourself. As Hawke's Bay Today has already reported, this year's winter weekend has broad family appeal with everything from a Dress and Process Parade, a Vintage Vroom, classic cinema, guided walks, a big band and a free fashion parade. I'm looking forward to attending the Silver Soiree tomorrow evening as I know from previous experience that everyone will be Puttin' on the Ritz for the night and the events to follow. Some of the events for Bluewater Hotel Deco Decanted Weekend can be found on page 4 today or go to the excellent Art Deco Trust website at www.artdeconapier.com for a full run down of the weekend.
