Gumboots flying thick and fast in Taihape

Gumboot Day at Taihape on Saturday. Photo / Christopher Cape

They were putting the boot in at Taihape on Saturday when a record crowd of around 1500 enjoyed the annual Gumboot Day.

Warm sunshine, the bumper crowd and a host of community activities made it a huge success, said organiser and Community Board chair Michelle Fannin.

"The crowd had a whale of a time," she said.

"We didn't charge to get in - we just asked everyone for a donation and families loved it."

Activities included a prize dig, gumboot planking and throwing the egg.

And, of course, a highlight was the gumboot-tossing competition, with Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie among those rolling up to take part.