It's a big social event, so many people attend. It is a day where everyone can come together and get dressed up and have fun. Lorraine CameronLorraine Cameron likes to be creative - and the Melbourne Cup is the perfect excuse to get dressed up.
Not actually being
in Melbourne to watch the race hasn't stopped Mrs Cameron going all out every year for Rotorua's Melbourne Cup Charity Gala.
With another coming up, she's been busy creating this year's outfit.
She estimates it will be about her 10th gala. "It's a big social event, so many people attend.
"It is a day where everyone can come together and get dressed up and have fun."
Mrs Cameron said a lot of planning went into each gala outfit.
"I go with some friends every year and we try to have some kind of theme.
"We didn't really have a theme this year but I did drawings and picked out fabrics."
She said it was great that proceeds of the event went to charity.
"It is so affordable for so many different people and it's great that it benefits the community."
Mrs Cameron said the charity gala had grown hugely with more people getting behind the fundraiser each year.
People new to the event could expect big hats, top fashion and horses, she said.
A big-screen television will broadcast the races in the Convention Centre's Banquet Room and sweepstakes will be available for people keen to take a punt.
There are prizes for the best dressed man and woman, the most original outfit, and best hat.
The annual evening of glamour and champagne will this year be raising money for the Rotorua Community Hospice, Riding for the Disabled and the forge at Te Amorangi Museum.
