Mardi Bras cheered for creativity

HAYLEY GALE

TO THE FORE: Mardi Bras participants at the Golden Bay Mardi Gras Parade included creator Frances Soper, left, Erica van sind Annaland and Jacinda Pomeroy.

Golden Bay Mardi Gras gallery

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Golden Bay Mardi Gras 2010.

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A Mardi Bras parade enhanced the Golden Bay Mardi Gras, the bay's biggest annual street party, held in perfect weather on Saturday.

Eight entrants wearing bras made from materials including feathers and wire to melons and balloons entered the Mardi Bras competition, which was judged by former World of Wearable Arts supreme winner Claire Prebble.

An enormous crowd lined the route, as the colourful parade, led by Afro-style drummers Grio, danced up and down Takaka's Commercial St. A giant taniwha, masked dancers, and even characters resembling movie extras from Avatar, featured in the parade.

Painted from head to toe in blue, green and yellow were East Takaka family Joel and Cat Jackson with their baby Canaan.

"It's taken us the whole day to get ready, but it's been great fun," said Cat.

Mardi Bras judge Miss Prebble, who worked on the costume construction department on the movie in Wellington, was impressed with the bizarre bra entries.

"They're all wonderful creations and that made them difficult to judge. It's clear that a lot of time and effort has gone into them," she said.

Feather bra Le Grand Poulet, made by Frances Soper and worn by Jamie-Lee Berry, took the first prize. Ms Soper made three bras in the competition, which she had also entered in the Fantasy Bra section of the Golden Bay A and P Show.

Also impressed with the bras was Mardi Gras organiser Dave Myall, who got the idea for the bra competition from the Bizarre Bra section of the WOW show.

"It was a good start and we hope there'll be more entries next year," he said.

Non-stop entertainment from midday until midnight included local and regional bands Chimuka, The Cutty Wren and Mud Faery Soup and a fire dance troupe, while street cafes and stalls did a roaring trade.

The event was attended by as many tourists as local people, with many remarking on the festive atmosphere, including visitors from Perth Judith and Greg Saunders, who had arrived in Golden Bay that morning.

"We had no idea there was such an alternative community here. It's a great event," said Mrs Saunders.

Angela Herbert, from Pohara, was among the crowd dancing on the Village Green.

"There's so much creativity and festivity. It's a good reason to celebrate," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News