Point is a pleasant day out

MARK LAWSON/Timaru Herald

GOOD NEWS: Hana Cady models the Tokyo Times creation she made with Alex McDonald, at Get to the Point on Saturday. The design gained first place in the senior section of the wearable arts.

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It was a day of fun and frolic as Pleasant Point's main street hosted the annual Get to the Point celebration on Saturday.

The event has been running for more than 60 years and attracted 3000 to the township this year for a day of family fun and retail therapy.

More than 60 stallholders showed off their wares while the crowds thrilled to a host of activities including sheep racing, dog trials, shearing and live entertainment.

Event manager Lyn Blakie said the day was a fine example of a small rural town putting on a great community event.

"It's a great opportunity to let the community raise funds for itself and to get people into Pleasant Point.

"The local community benefits when everyone chips in," she said.

Five-times world shearing champion David Fagan gave a fine performance in the open shears when he joined 36 others for a day of competition in junior, intermediate, senior and open shearing.

Veteran shearer John Walsh said he was impressed with the number of shearers who had come from around New Zealand to this year's event.

The wearable arts contest attracted more than 30 entries as school pupils from around South Canterbury lined up to strut their stuff on stage.

Co-ordinator and design teacher Helen Christian said this year's wearable arts contest attracted more competitors, with primary school pupils making their debut in the competition.

Mrs Christian said she was pleased wearable art was now a part of the art and craft curriculum in primary schools. "I was surprised at the depth of detail and originality that primary school pupils had displayed in their approach.

"I'm delighted to see that sort of encouragement," she said.

The senior section was won by Hana Cady and Alex McDonald's Tokyo Times creation, while Kate Esler's Island Warrior took out the top spot in the junior section.

The Pleasant Point Rugby Club lined up with Racing Baa Blacks trainer David Cone to host the sheep racing, which is its second time at the event, as a fundraiser for team mate Adam Grant, who lost an arm earlier this year in a workplace accident.

Temuka magician, street performer, balloon twister, unicyclist and clown Josh Grimaldi made a striking entrance on his 2 metre unicycle.

Mr Grimaldi has been performing for several years and recently graduated from circus school in Christchurch where he is based as a freelance performer.

Ms Blakie said the day had been a huge success and was thankful for favourable weather conditions and the help people had given.