100 Year Party For Dargaville

Keep September 26 to 28 free for three days of fun and celebration to commemorate the centenary of Dargaville becoming a Borough in 1908.

“It’s time to have a big party and there will be something for everyone” Kaipara’s Community Development facilitator Heidi Dreyer promises. “If you want to browse for bargains you can. If you are a sports fan there is sport. If you want to dress up and join your friends at a ball, go to a concert or are keen on exotic food fan, it’s all there.”

“We are looking forward to three fantastic days and invite everyone to become part of the festival. And it’s not too late to add new events so contact a committee member if you have ideas or want more information.”

The Friday turns Victoria Street into a giant flea market with arts, crafts and many other stalls including food. “We want this to be awesome with as many different stalls as we can get, and especially people selling a range of ethic cuisine. Please start preparing and contact committee member Carine Lange on (09) 439 6922.,” Heidi urges.

Then it’s trolley relay races with teams of four charging down the street in a contest bound to have its share of thrills and spills. “Trolleys are supplied so all you need is the manpower.”

Former Dargaville mayors, councillors and executive staff haven’t been forgotten. They are invited to a Mayoral Luncheon at the Lighthouse Function Centre.

Saturday morning’s focus turns to sports action at Dargaville High School where past and present students vie for rugby and netball honours.

Then, if you want a great night out with your friends and enjoy dressing up, go to the Centennial Ball where organisers want everyone dressed up to represent a decade from the 100 years.

Those wanting to celebrate the borough’s centenary at a more sedate pace can do so at a combined church service on the Sunday morning.

The celebration winds up on a spectacular note with a Sunday afternoon Centennial Concert in the town hall. “If you want to see our local talent at its best don’t miss this,” Heidi urges. “It has Denise Brownlee as the Vicar of Dibley for MC plus class acts like Dargaville High School’s Stage Challenge, Otamatea Repertory Theatre, Dargaville Little Theatre, and Kauri Chorus, to name a few.

“And watch out for the Council Thriller act,” adds the person who combined ballet with Dargaville’s firemen and police to produce a never to be forgotten spectacle last year.

The Centennial Committee is Mayor Neil Tiller, Councillor Brian Burnett, Community Development Facilitator Heidi Dreyer, Margaret Tier, Christine Rope, Anne Lupton, Colleen Urlich and Carine Lange.