Media Release

Saturday 24 June 2006

DOWNTOWN AND MOUNTAIN TOP ACTION DELIGHTS

Under crisp, clear blue skies and with a few rays of sun to warm the soul, thousands of spectators turned out to cheer along the floats in the ever-colourful and spectacular SKYCITY Community Trust Festival Parade today (June 24).

From the young, to the young at heart, to the four-legged and creatures of indeterminate origin – new friends were made and old pals greeted as 38 colourful floats snaked round the streets of downtown Queenstown.

Children and families delighted in visual entertainment that included a stilt-walking poodle, an all-dancing, all-singing Muppet show, a number of variations on the Narnia theme, a skier and snowboarder precariously performing tricks on the back of snow-covered truck, and even a King Kong float, complete with realistic-looking Empire State building.

An energetic singing and acting performance by the boys and gals from Queenstown Fire Brigade, fighting a fire-breathing dragon, won them first prize ($1000 cash and two bottles of Lindauer) in the community section, while Pulse Fitness, dramatic in red, black and white and with a perfectly choreographed performance, took the business section prize -- $500 cash, a magnum of Lindauer and the Jim Robbie trophy.

The Telecom Family Fun Day continued throughout the afternoon for younger festival goers with a Snowman Making competition, Ronald McDonald Magic Show and the ever-popular CivicCorp Pets on Parade.

Coronet Peak’s festival mountain events kicked off in perfect conditions with the Bike Fix Ironhorse Mountain Bikes on Snow, where the action was of the slip-sliding variety. Thrills and spills were not in short supply, as a strong field of mountain bikers raced each other on a boarder-cross style course consisting of gates and jumps.

First-placed male was Ben Rafferty who walked off with $500 cash. Second male was Matt Scoles with Tim Ceci in third. First female was Sheryl Macleod with Alanna Columb second and Kate McDougall third. First junior was Senn Steel with Nick Jenkins second. First scooter was Kelly Gooch with Corey Robinson second and Nathan Horrell third.

A spot prize of a Freeride Ironhorse bike valued at $5000 went to 12 year old up-and-coming rider Andrew Lee of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.

Rider Grant Ruthven is also going home with something to remember – he won the dubious title of ‘Best Crash’ with a spectacular flip and roll over the handlebars which resulted in a sprained shoulder.

A series of top-level ice hockey matches kicked off at the Queenstown Fun Centre on Friday night with the Canadian Moose versus the Queenstown Rangers. Watched by a capacity crowd over more than 500, the Moose narrowly beat the Rangers by three goals to two in a tense game with plenty of fun full-on action.

Today (Sat) at 6pm the Southern Stampede play the Canadian Moose, and tomorrow (Sun) the Moose Magic Charity Match promises some special moments as part of a fundraising game versus some local ice stars. Door sale tickets are still available.

The Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival is the Southern Hemisphere's ultimate winter celebration and runs from June 23 to July 2.

The festival continues tomorrow (Sunday 25 June) with the American Express Big Brunch & Sofitel Art in the Mountains, Snickers Day on the Bay featuring the MORE FM Birdman, Snickers Jetboat Sprints and Splash for Cash, while in the evening things promise to get steamy at the Lindauer Boogie Nights Ball.

For further media information or images please contact:

Mary Todd

Media Liaison

Phone: 03 441 2453 or 027 477 9394

Email: mary@winterfestival.co.nz