South Canterbury Herald - 07 Dec, 2011

Gumboots again to be centre of attention

Following the successful introduction last year of the "decorated gumboot" competition it will take place again.

There are categories for both adults (boot decorated in Christmas theme with a strawberry influence incorporated) and children (boot decorated in a Christmas theme).  Boots should be delivered to the "office" also known as the police caravan - by 10.30am to be in with a chance to win good prizes.

This year sees the introduction of strawberry jam-making competition in which contestants enter their special home-made jam for judging.  This event has strong support from the Rural Women and Country Women Institute organisations.

A special initiative, supported by Kelcey's Bush, a member of the Holiday Parks Association of New Zealand and a key supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Trust, is the Great Shave Off or Strawberry Colour-up event.  Participants are sponsored to raise funds for the trust which aims to help the search for a breast cancer cure by 2018.  It has been well-supported exceeding organisers' expectations, and will see 11 participants ranging in age from five years to 73 years shave their heads or be Strawberry Coloured up.  Among those who have volunteered are  Waimate mayor, John Coles, New World Supermarket's lotto department manager, the local librarian, and three staff from principal sponsor Meridian.  It'll be an entertaining event to watch and visitors will be able to donate to the cause at donation collection points.