The discovery of some extra funds in the Teviot Valley Community Board’s promotional budget yesterday encouraged members to support a late application from organisers of next year’s Cavalcade host town celebrations.

Around 400 horse-riders, cyclists and walkers are expected to converge in Millers Flat on March 5 for a country fete and evening hoedown.

Much-loved entertainers the Topp Twins were already “super enthused” about performing at the event, committee member Deborah Dons told the board.

With 600 to 700 people expected to stay overnight and up to 4000 people to be involved over the whole event, there was great potential the promote the valley to visitors and those looking to join the local workforce, she said.

Central Otago District Council media and marketing manager, Alison Mason, informed the board yesterday that over and above the $2000 set aside for promotional grants this year, the board still had over $14,000 in its Roxburgh promotional reserve fund.

The group were granted $2500 from the reserve funds toward hiring a marquee. 

Five hundred dollars from the promotional grants fund was allocated to the Teviot Valley Cherry Chaos Event Management and Marketing group for a celebration scheduled for the 8th and 9th of January next year.

Cherry Chaos aimed to recognize the contribution of visiting backpackers and their contribution to the summer fruit harvest but with fewer of the workers here, there was some doubt the event would proceed. Organisers had acknowledged that if the event did not go ahead the money would be repaid.

Organiser Martin McPherson spoke to the board yesterday of the degree of uncertainty surrounding the event also stemming from mixed levels of support from orchard owners.

The Central Otago District Arts Trust applied for $700 toward its Cover to Cover literary event but as this was Vincent-based it was declined.

At least $1500 would be available for promotional grants in the area at the next funding round in March.

Brass Band to Play On

The future of the Roxburgh Pioneer Energy Brass Band would have been in doubt without financial support granted yesterday for running its band room and secretarial work, according to a report.

A part of the Roxburgh community for nearly 140 years, they were valued for appearances at ANZAC day parades, free concerts, Christmas and rest home performances.

As the only brass band in Central Otago members travelled from throughout the district to support performances far and wide, the meeting heard.

The group applied for $2000 for operational costs with council recommending $1500 be granted from the Board’s total for community grants for the year of $5000. 

Board chairman Raymond Gunn, however, felt they provided benefit throughout Central Otago and was supported by other members in asking they be given the full amount applied for.

“They play a lot out of this valley and I think it is very important we support this band.”

The funding round was the first under the CODC’s newly-contestable grants system and a review of how it had performed was scheduled for next month.