Venues saddle up for Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is ready and raring to race and so are the people of Rotorua with different events being held all over the city.

Rotorua Citizens Club is looking forward to screening the races and showing everyone a good time today.

President Bob Thompson said the event, from 4.30pm to 8pm, was open to members as well as non-members.

It is free for people who just want to watch the race and $20 for those who want to be involved in the 'punter's club' which includes sweepstakes, betting and finger food.

There will be prizes for best dressed female and male, as well as spot prizes.

"It's all just a bit of good fun." Mr Thompson said.

The Rotorua Commercial Traveller's Club is celebrating by holding a VIP event for members and their guests from 3pm to 7.30pm.

Manager Kathleen Gallacher said there would be live music, nibbles and a big screen TV to watch the races on.

There will be prizes for best dressed female and male, best dressed couple and best hat.

Tickets are $20 and, Miss Gallacher said yesterday, they were almost sold out.

"It's not a money-making event, it's more just for fun. We do it every year," Miss Gallacher said.

Novotel Rotorua Lakefront is also joining in the festivities with a barbecue and fun-filled afternoon planned from 4pm to 8pm. The event costs $10.

There will be live viewing on a big screen TV, sweepstakes, easy betting for the first 60 people, live music from 6pm and best dressed male, female and couple prizes.

Novotel sales and marketing executive Tanya Taljaard said they were hoping people would dress up.

"We didn't think anyone else was doing anything big and we wanted to add a bit of fun, we are hoping to build on the event and if it goes well run it next year as well."

-The Melbourne Cup is at 5pm New Zealand time. See page 26 for a sweepstake chart.