Delights in the dark at twilight fair

RONNIE SHORT

Central Tākaka School hosted their seventh annual fundraiser last Friday evening. Starting at 3.30pm, the Twilight Fair promised hidden delights come dark.

Family, food, fairies, freaky fun, fire, frivolity, and free entertainment framed this popular, well-prepared event.

Children clearly enjoyed playing shopkeepers, as they sold their wares at desks displaying ingenious temptations. Rainbow jelly cups with dairy whip and sprinkles were a sell-out hit, as were bags of popcorn, pastry turnovers, cookies, and punch.

Inside one classroom, bargain hunters rummaged through boxes and racks of clothes, puzzles, games, crockery, and household items.

As more and more families arrived, a buzz of excited anticipation permeated the atmosphere.

A converted classroom beckoned “ENTER IF YOU DARE”. Those who dared were greeted by witches, and surprised by zombies, an upside-down-backwardswalker, and a fluorescent skeleton. Freaky feelies invited brave fingers to experience witch’s snot and maggots and more… all within a dark maze.

Outside, people queued at stalls selling soup, chai tea, cakes, and sausages. On the playground, the slide –under camouflage – sported a “SHOOT THE PIG” set up. Complete with shrubbery, animal pictures, and a moving target, would-be hunters took aim using nerf guns.

Next to the see-saw, punters could prove their power by trying out the “THE BIG WHACKER”. Using a heavy mallet to whack a wooden dome at the base of a post, contenders aimed to send an object high enough to ring a bell at the top.

Principal Steve McLean gave a mihi whakatau welcome, thanking everybody. He then handed over to entertainment manager, Charlotte Squire.

Mihi Rangihika opened, singing several spine-tingling songs.

As darkness descended, twinkling lights and braziers took over from twilight.

Friends and families sat around picnic tables or stood at braziers, chatting. Watched over by a sliver of new moon, it was evident this year’s Twilight Fair was yet another success.

A gleeful cry went out as the fairy forest track magically lit up. Families wandered through, marvelling at the many delights within. A disco, set up inside an NBS gazebo, pounded the tennis court pavement, and children ran from one exciting setting to another.

Wonder-Full fire performers wowed the crowd with their fire poi, hoops, and fans. Creator Claire French playfully pushed the boundaries as she performed to the enthralled onlookers.

Hester Davies sang, followed by Maggie Quinn, then Poppy Hughes. Each of the three young vocalists lured in listeners with beautiful melodies. Levity Beet supported his students as they set up their band.

Completing a night of winter fundraising festivity, a group of merry musicians known as The Forge played while people danced until the rain came.

An all-parents, whole-school event, Steve said many helpers worked “pretty much all weekend” to tidy up. Although a final tally isn’t yet available, Steve reported that “early indications are that it’s very successful.”

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