The big carrot mascot in Ohakune celebrated its 20th anniversary in grand style on Saturday. The newly-painted bright orange sculpture looked fresh and ready for another 20 years.
The anniversary party featured games, a costume parade, dance exhibits, helicopter rides and food stalls.
"We wanted to make this event like the old-fashioned country sports day," Carrot Day co-ordinator Kandy Mott said.
"We wanted families and the community to come and enjoy the day, without having to pay for the entertainment and fun, but to also offer the opportunity to local schools and charities to raise funds by providing the food at the carrot birthday."
The carrot, which serves as a proud symbol for the little town, is situated at the entrance to Ohakune on Rangataua Rd. It was originally unveiled on Saturday, September 29, 1984, when the veil was lifted by helicopter.
Among the activities for the day was the children's costume parade, which featured future growers dressed like veggies. There were numerous carrots, a cauliflower and two little Brussels sprouts.
DJ Pearson won the big prize, a toy truck, for his version of a carrot.
The Ohakune Primary School performed a jazz dance in full carrot regalia, while Wanganui Aero Work offered short helicopter rides.
The Ohakune Lions Club, the Waimarino Cancer Society and the Ohakune PTA each had stalls that featured food made from fresh vegetables, promoting the New Zealand Cancer Society's "live smart" theme of five-plus vegetables a day. For the adults, the day was filled with challenge as teams battled it out in four packing and stacking competitions. Scott Young had the fastest time in the lift and load challenge.
The get-down, tie-down challenge was won by Jeremy Mott, the stack 'n wrap was taken out by Chan's-Taylor's team and Ron Frew Family Partnership was the fastest team in the sort 'em out competition.
The vegetables used in the competitions will be sold, with proceeds going to the Waimarino Cancer Society.
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