Beer festival draws crowds
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A plastic beer mug and a hangover were all that was left this morning for many revellers at last night's 12th annual Riwaka Beer Festival.
The beer fest, an institution in the Motueka area and a major fund- raiser for the Riwaka Rugby Football Club and Rotary of Motueka, went smoothly, according to organisers.
Committee member Paul Heywood said about 950 people attended the event, and were well-behaved and responsible.
This was a similar number to last year, although slightly less than organisers would have liked. The event raised about $8000 for youth development within the rugby club and Rotary.
Music provided was popular and offered a variety, from covers bands and a Wellington jazz band, to DJ Oscar Davey-Wraight, a 16- year-old Motueka High School student.
The rugby ground provided a camp ground for about 100 people, many of whom would be travelling on to dance party the Gathering, Mr Heywood said. The beer fest is renowned for attracting many of the holidaymakers in the region, and this year was no exception.
Christchurch man Ben Rzoska , sporting a T-shirt saying "I'm only here for the beer", has stayed in Nelson with friends for the past four years, and is camping in the Maitai Valley.
Paul Trewavas of Nelson said it was always a great night, and gave people the chance to catch up with old friends.