Files from Central Taranaki Tourism Network

Americarna - For the many hundreds of people lucky enough to get to Broadway on Thursday morning, it was truly a sight to behold. Hundreds of cars - factory and custom-built, of an American theme - rolled into town, turning Broadway into an amazing showplace. Many of the retailers have reported brisk trading, suggesting that the event was a success. Unfortunately, the Corvette being raffled was not won by someone in our area but congratulations to the New Plymouth couple who were the lucky winners. Congratulations to Jennie, Raewyn and the Stratford Business Association team for organising the Stratford leg of the event which has had Taranaki buzzing for days.
Another event with an American flavour, 'Texas Holdem' has just passed the halfway mark and with just three weeks to go, there are still several players in with a chance of taking the main prize.
The event, being held at the TET MultiSports Centre, runs for eight weeks, starts at 7pm on Monday nights and is open to anyone 18 or over. For those who like cards, it's a lot of fun and another league will start just after Easter... so watch this space.
We are now getting the work pool up and running so if you are in need of some hired help, we can be of assistance. Phone Peter on 0274 316 491.
State Highway 43 (The Forgotten World Highway) will be closed during the day for four to five days from March 5 while maintenance is carried out on the Otunui Bridge. If you know of anyone travelling State Highway 43 during this time, please advise them of this.
Taranaki Anniversary Weekend is ideal for trips to the summit of Mt Egmont/Taranaki. With a full moon on the way, conditions should be great for sunrise summit ascents but booking is essential. There are guides waiting and wanting to take you on this unforgettable journey.
The Pioneer Village Open Day is on Sunday March 11 from 10am until 4pm. Entry is by gold coin donation. The Pioneer Express (train) will be operating all day and the Pioneer Village Hospital will be celebrating 100 years at 1.30pm. This is an ideal opportunity to see some of Taranaki's heritage.
Percy Thomson Gallery: There is always something different on show so when your visitors arrive, treat them to the arts and crafts on display. There is a feature in this edition of the Stratford Press. Refer to it for the month's agenda. In the unlikely event of rain in Stratford, this is a great way to spend some time.
To Bert van Veen in Taranaki Base Hospital, we wish you a speedy recovery and return to Hathaway House.
If anything of note has, or is going to happen in your organisation, please let me know and we can include it in this column. Subscriptions are now due and could you please keep the surveys coming in. The information will be valuable.