Wild times afoot out west

ON A ROLL: Herb Leef from Whirinaki on his way to a convincing win in the cheese-rolling final at last year's Wild West Festival. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF

Cowboys, horse riders, gun-toting baddies, a shoot-out, and highway robbers extracting tolls from passing motorists - visitors to Waimamaku can see all that and more when the South Hokianga town stages its 13th Wild West Festival.

One of the most unusual aspects of the festival is that much of the action takes place on State Highway 12, including the cheese-rolling contests (the "cheeses", a nod to the town's historic cheese factory, are actually tyres painted yellow) and the high noon shoot-out (which will be staged at 1pm).

Highwaymen at either end of the town will extract donations from passing motorists and no doubt confused tourists.

The South Hokianga Riders will take part and volunteers of the Omapere Fire Brigade will stage an obstacle course.

A Mad Hatter's challenge for the best hat will replace last year's wearable arts contest. A large number of food and information stalls is expected.

Organiser Bruce Lomas said the "short and sweet" event would run from 10am-2pm. It would have a health focus with prizes including entry in the Rawene-Omapere half-marathon and proceeds going to health initiatives in South Hokianga. "We're encouraging people to look after themselves," he said. Last year $1000 was donated to Rawene Hospital.