Last night's wet weather once again watered down crowd numbers at the Summer Stunner, but with a greatly successful Summer Hummer in their pockets organisers remained content with this year's twin shows. It was expected that less than a thousand punters turned out to the triple-act bill of The Verandah Band,Diamond Divas and The Lady Killers at Masterton's Colin Pugh Sports Bowl. Promoter Frankie Stevens said it was unfortunate timing that the rain began at about 4.30pm, when many would have been tossing up whether to attend. "Having said that, there's always been a core following to the Summer Stunner, which is really for the Mums and Dads and the discerning people of the Wairarapa who know it's cheap, quality entertainment. They're the ones that'll come rain or shine." Masterton District Council spokesperson David Paris agreed the poor weather - which had abated well before The Lady Killers opened their set with a rendition of Queen's Somebody To Love - was "a bit of a shame". "If you're only doing gate sales, then it's weather dependant. But we're still happy, there's a good crowd out there and they're enjoying it." Masterton resident and loyal show-goer John Hess wanted to see the events continue. "The music is decent, the price is right and I always run into a lot of people at the Summer Stunner. As long as it's on I'll be going to see it." Theresa Wilkin, also of Masterton, enjoyed her fifth Summer Stunner with the added comfort of a picnic chair and a glass of red wine. "Frankie Stevens is a big reason I come. And I think it's a lovely event." Mr Paris meanwhile said initial figures showed 3,600 people attended Tuesday night's Hummer, making it the most successful in three years.
