Rain dents trade but revellers unfazed

The Wairarapa Harvest Festival fared better in its sheltered location on the Ruamahanga River, with festivities continuing despite rain showers.

Dismal weather announced its presence during two Wairarapa signature events at the weekend - with stall holders hunkering down to avoid the wind in South Wairarapa, and wine lovers huddling up under trees and dancing with their brollies at Gladstone.

The Martinborough Fair's second trading day was interrupted by strong winds on Saturday afternoon, and heavy rain forced organisers to close stalls an hour early.

The Wairarapa Harvest Festival fared better in its sheltered location on the Ruamahanga River, with festivities continuing despite rain showers.

Martinborough Fair organiser Griff Page said stall holders were challenged when "the wind picked up" about 1pm, with gazebos "blowing over" and traders having to re-arrange their displays to protect their wares from the weather.

Shopping continued for another two hours but, with rain forecast at 3pm, organisers ordered traders to shut up shop.

"We shut at three and it started raining at quarter past - it was pretty good timing," Mr Page said.

"Most of our stall holders didn't seem too worried."

He said visitor numbers were low at the start of the day, due to "grim" weather in Wellington, keeping punters from travelling.

But numbers picked up mid-morning, with a "big crowd" formed by lunch time.

"The forecast would have put a few people off, but those who came seemed to enjoy themselves."

Rachel Clifford of What Makes NZ? had a stall at the fair, and said her sales were lower than last year's, on account of the weather.

"I heard it was the same for a lot of the stall holders," Mrs Clifford said.

"Things got a bit hairy with the wind - I had to alter my display, which make it a bit less attractive."

Despite the weather and less trade than at previous events, she enjoyed the day.

"It was lovely - there was a really nice atmosphere.

"The weather was a bit of a freak of nature, but you can't do much about that."

The party continued at the Harvest Festival, with punters "just pulling their seats back under the trees" out of the drizzle, organiser Liz Pollock said.

"The rain certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits - if anything, it was a bit of a relief from the hot weather.

"When it started raining, people just kept dancing under their umbrellas."

Ms Pollock said this year's event was "hugely successful".

"We had great food, great wine and great entertainment.

"Everyone had a lovely time on the riverbank."